Windows has three main ways to edit video, depending on what you want to do
The simplest option is Photos, the built-in app that comes with Windows 10 and 11. It handles basic cuts, transitions, music, and text overlays without installing anything new. If you need more control — color correction, multiple video tracks, or effects — Clipchamp is free and runs in your browser or as a Windows app. For professional-level work with precise timeline editing and advanced effects, DaVinci Resolve is free and runs on Windows, though it has a steeper learning curve.
Which one you choose depends on the length of your video, how many clips you're combining, and whether you need effects beyond basic transitions. A short phone video for social media works fine in Photos. A project with multiple camera angles or color grading needs Clipchamp or DaVinci Resolve.
Key Takeaways
- Photos is built into Windows and handles trimming, basic transitions, music, and text without downloading anything.
- Clipchamp is free and web-based, offering more effects and better control than Photos but still simple enough for beginners.
- DaVinci Resolve is professional-grade, free, and runs on Windows, but requires more time to learn and more computer power.
- Your choice depends on video length, number of clips, and whether you need color correction or advanced effects.
Using Photos for quick edits and simple projects
Open the Photos app (search for "Photos" in the Windows search bar), then select the video file you want to edit. Click the pencil icon or "Edit" button. You'll see a timeline at the bottom with your video as a single clip.
From here you can trim the start or end by dragging the edges of the clip inward. To add music, click "Add music" and choose from the built-in library or upload your own file. Text overlays go in through "Add text" — you pick the font, size, and when it appears on screen. Transitions between clips (if you've split your video into multiple pieces) are added by clicking between clips and selecting a fade or slide effect.
Photos exports to your Videos folder in MP4 format. The app is fastest for videos under five minutes and projects with fewer than three clips. If you're combining many clips or need to adjust colors, move to Clipchamp instead.
Clipchamp for more control without complexity
Clipchamp runs in your web browser at clipchamp.com or as a free Windows app. Create an account, then click "Create a new video" and choose your project size (16:9 for YouTube, 9:16 for TikTok, 1:1 for Instagram). Upload your video files or record directly from your webcam.
Drag clips onto the timeline in any order. You can trim each clip by clicking and dragging its edges, adjust volume, add transitions between clips, and layer text, music, and images on top. The effects library includes filters, color adjustments, and animated overlays. Clipchamp shows you a preview as you work, so you see changes in real time.
Export options include MP4 (standard quality), H.264 (smaller file size), or higher resolutions if you pay for a subscription. The free version adds a small Clipchamp watermark to the final video. Projects can be saved and reopened later, so you don't have to finish in one session. Clipchamp works well for videos up to 15 minutes and projects with five to ten clips.
DaVinci Resolve for professional editing and color work
Download DaVinci Resolve from blackmagicdesign.com (the free version is called DaVinci Resolve). Install it, then open the app and create a new project. Set your resolution (1920x1080 for standard HD, 3840x2160 for 4K) and frame rate (24, 25, or 30 frames per second depending on your source video).
Import your video files into the Media Pool on the left side. Drag them onto the timeline below. Unlike Photos and Clipchamp, DaVinci Resolve uses a multi-track timeline — you can layer video on top of video, add audio tracks separately, and adjust each one independently. Trim clips by dragging their edges. Add transitions by dragging them between clips. Text and effects come from the Effects Library on the right.
The Color page (click the tabs at the bottom) lets you adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and color balance for individual clips or the whole project. This is where DaVinci Resolve stands apart from simpler editors. Export through File > Export > Add to Render Queue, then choose your format (H.264 for MP4, ProRes for archiving, or DNxHD for editing in other software).
DaVinci Resolve requires more computer power than Photos or Clipchamp — a processor with at least four cores and 8 GB of RAM. Projects with 4K video or heavy effects need more. The learning curve is steeper because the interface has more buttons and the timeline works differently, but tutorials are widely available on YouTube.
Comparing the three editors side by side
| Feature | Photos | Clipchamp | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (built in) | Free (watermark) or paid | Free |
| Installation | None needed | Web browser or Windows app | Download and install |
| Video length limit | Up to 10 minutes | Up to 60 minutes (free) | Unlimited |
| Number of tracks | One video track | Multiple tracks | Unlimited tracks |
| Color correction | Basic brightness/contrast | Filters and basic adjustments | Professional-grade tools |
| Learning curve | Very easy | Easy | Moderate to steep |
| Best for | Quick clips under 5 minutes | Social media videos, 5–15 minutes | Long-form video, color grading, effects |
What to do if your computer is slow or you don't want to install software
If your Windows machine struggles with video editing, Clipchamp in your web browser is the lightest option — it runs on the Clipchamp servers, not your computer. You only need a stable internet connection and a browser. Photos is also light and requires no internet, but it's limited to shorter videos and simpler edits.
If you want to avoid installing anything at all, Clipchamp's web version is your only choice among the three. DaVinci Resolve must be installed and runs locally on your machine, so it won't help if you're trying to avoid downloads.
Exporting and file formats explained
All three editors export to MP4, the most common video format for YouTube, email, and social media. MP4 files are smaller than the original video and play on almost any device.
Photos exports only to MP4. Clipchamp offers MP4, H.264 (a smaller variant), and higher resolutions with a paid subscription. DaVinci Resolve gives you the most options: H.264 (MP4), ProRes (larger file, better for archiving or editing in other software), DNxHD (for professional workflows), and others. For most people, MP4 is the right choice — it balances file size and quality.
Export time depends on your video length and your computer's processor. A five-minute video typically takes two to five minutes to export. Longer videos or 4K resolution take longer. DaVinci Resolve can export in the background while you keep working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit 4K video on Windows?
Photos and Clipchamp can import 4K files but will downscale them to 1080p for editing. DaVinci Resolve handles native 4K editing, though you need a processor with at least six cores and 16 GB of RAM. If your source video is 4K and you want to keep that quality, DaVinci Resolve is the only option among the three.
What if I want to remove the watermark from Clipchamp?
The free version of Clipchamp adds a watermark to exported videos. You can remove it by paying for a subscription (pricing varies by region). Alternatively, use Photos or DaVinci Resolve, both of which are free with no watermark.
Can I edit videos on my phone and then finish them on Windows?
Yes, but you'll need to export from your phone as an MP4 file first. All three Windows editors can import video files from your phone's storage. Clipchamp also lets you upload directly from cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive, which can be faster than transferring files manually.
Which editor is best for YouTube videos?
Clipchamp is the best balance for YouTube — it handles videos up to 60 minutes, offers good effects and transitions, and exports in the right format. Photos works for short clips under five minutes. DaVinci Resolve is overkill unless you're doing color grading or heavy effects work.
Do I need to buy a more powerful computer to edit video?
Not necessarily. Photos and Clipchamp run on any Windows machine with 4 GB of RAM. DaVinci Resolve needs at least 8 GB and a processor with four cores. If your computer is older or has less than 4 GB of RAM, stick with Photos or Clipchamp's web version.