Full Review of Windows 10 Video Editor Built-in - Photos App [with How-tos]

Don't rush to pay for any Windows 10 video editor for basic video processing yet, since Windows 10 has offered you a free video editor built-in - the Photos app. Based on our test, the Windows 10 default video editor is one of the best free entry-level editing software when novices need quick video editing. It is tagged as a new "Movie Maker" and works as well as iMovie.

About the Built-in Windows 10 Video Editor - Photos

You might be confused that why a video editing app is named as Photos. The truth is Microsoft Photos video editor was originally planned as the default picture management tool for the new Windows 10 operating system. The video editing feature was later added after a certain update (Fall Creators Update). Strictly speaking, Photos is a three-in-one media manager rather than a Windows 10 built-in video editor app.

But probably because Photos always freezes up while importing photos, people are too annoyed to find out that there is still a hidden video editor built in.

Review: Is Photos the Best Windows 10 Video Editor?

There is no PERFECT software that suits all. Photos, without accurate frame-based adjustment settings, is nowhere near as professional as non-linear editing systems. But due to part of its advantages, Photos should be one of the best free video editing software for Windows 10 that beginners could use to do some quick editing.

Rather than simply listing all features here, we decide to compare the Photos app with iMovie and VideoProc Vlogger, so that you can see what this built-in Windows 10 video editor can do for you and why it gains popularity rapidly. Photos is designed for Windows users, iMovie is for Mac, and VideoProc Vlogger is another entry-level video editor software favored by GoPro/DJI users, which works on both Windows and Mac.

To sum up, here are the Pros of this default Windows 10 video editor:

• A Windows built-in video editor app, with no need for an extra download and installation.
• Super easy. There is nearly no learning curve to get familiar with it.
• Use storyboard mode instead of timeline, which is friendlier to beginners.
• Include both basic and advanced video editing features, from crop, merge, and rotate video to add filters, 3D animations, and background music/narration.

System Requirements of the Windows 10 Built-in Video Editor

If the computer is running Windows 10, but you can't find the built-in Windows 10 photo/video editor, there might be a need of system update. Check the minimum and recommended system requirements.

How to know your Windows OS build/version?

• Move to the Taskbar at bottom of your screen > Search.
• Type About > click on About your PC in the Best match > System settings window pops out.
• Scroll down to Windows specifications > Version > OS Build.

How to Use Windows 10 Video Editor Built-in

For the following part, we will show you a full tutorial of how to use the Windows 10 video editor built-in, from media import, editing (trim video, add text or music, apply filters, slow down video playback speed, add 3D effects and many more) all the way to saving and sharing file online. But remember that not all file types are acceptable. and only the video files like MP4, WMV, MOV, AVI, MKV, and M2TS can be loaded while some others like FLV, VOB and ISO cannot. Moreover, HEVC video requires installing additional codecs. Check below and learn how to edit videos on windows 10

Step 1. Open video in Photos on Windows 10

1. To combine several clips and create a new movie:

• Desktop > Taskbar > search for Photos > open the app > New video > New video project > name your video > OK.
• + Add > Add video "From this PC" or "From my collection" > select video > Add.

2. To edit a single video: Find your video file > right-click the video > Open with > Photos.

Step 2: Trim video

To remove unwanted clips from your footage, click "Edit & Create" and choose "Trim" in the drop-down list.

Step 3: Add Slo-mo

This Windows 10 hidden video editor provides you with three playback speed options: original speed, slower and super slow (turtle icon). But better not try the super slow one. It makes your video stutter and there is no slow-down effect.

How to add slo-mo:

Edit & Create > Add Slo-mo > specify a time range in timeline > switch from original to slower > Save a copy.

Step 4: Apply filters

Edit & Create > Create a video with Text > Name you video > Filters > select one of the filters like Classic, Adventure, Pearl, Iceberg, Sepia, Arcade, Inky, Pixel, etc.

Step 5: Add Text

In the same "Create a video with Text" window, click "Text" right beside the "Filters" to add a title or caption. Write down the title, select an animated text style, choose the layout and then "Done". There are 15 Animated text styles, including Bold, Cinema, Fresh, IMPACT, Cartoon, etc.

Step 6: Add 3D Effects

Still in the "Create a video with Text" window > 3D effects > wait for a moment as the built-in Windows 10 video editing app gets 3D effects ready for your video.

Then switch to Effects > choose one among all effects > resize and rotate the effect > set a time range > Done.

Step 7: Save and share video online

After all the edits, you can save your video for uploading and sharing:

Finish video > select a file size in "Export or share" > choose S for fast sharing in email and small screens > M for uploading to Facebook, Skype, Twitter, etc > L for playing on large screens like TV.