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20 min fix 4 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Open the Clipchamp app in Windows 11 (or go to clipchamp.com). Click Create a new video, drag your media files into the 'Your media' bin, drag them down to the timeline, and use the Split (scissors) tool to cut out mistakes.

How to Edit Videos for Free Using Microsoft Clipchamp ​

Estimated Time to Fix: 20 minutes

Applies to: Windows 11, Microsoft 365, Clipchamp
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-21

Summary ​

You don't need to buy expensive software like Adobe Premiere to trim the beginning and end off a Zoom recording or stitch two marketing videos together. Microsoft bought a company called Clipchamp and built their video editor directly into Windows 11. It is straightforward to use, and it is free.

Prerequisites ​

  • A computer running Windows 11, or a modern web browser.
  • Some raw video files to edit.

Instructions ​

1. Open Clipchamp and Start a Project ​

If you are on Windows 11, the app is likely already installed.

  1. Click the Windows Start button and type Clipchamp.
  2. Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
  3. Click the purple Create a new video button on the home screen.

2. Import Your Media ​

Your "media bin" is where you store all the raw ingredients for your video before you start cooking.

  1. On the left-hand toolbar, click Your media.
  2. Click the Import media button and select the video clips, images, and audio files you want to use from your computer.
  3. You can also drag and drop files directly from a folder into this bin.

3. Build Your Timeline ​

The timeline at the bottom of the screen is where the actual editing happens.

  1. Click and drag a video clip from your media bin down into the timeline.
  2. If you want to add a second clip, drag it down and place it right next to the first one. They will play sequentially.
  3. To trim a clip: Hover your mouse over the beginning or end of a clip until you see a green handle. Click and drag the handle inward to shorten the clip.
  4. To split a clip: If someone coughed in the middle of a video and you want to remove it, click the timeline exactly where the cough starts. Click the Split (scissors) icon above the timeline. Then click where the cough ends, and hit Split again. Click the middle piece and press the Delete key.

4. Add Text and Transitions (Optional) ​

To make your video look professional, you can add titles and smooth transitions between clips.

  1. Text: Click Text on the far-left toolbar. Find a style you like, drag it above your video clip on the timeline, and click the "Text" tab on the right side of the screen to change what it says.
  2. Transitions: Click Transitions on the left toolbar. Drag a transition (like "Cross fade") and drop it directly between two video clips on your timeline.

5. Export Your Video ​

When you are done editing, you need to "render" the project into a single, shareable .mp4 file.

  1. Click the purple Export button in the top right corner.
  2. Select 1080p (High quality). Do not choose 4K unless you are paying for the premium version of Clipchamp.
  3. Your computer will start processing the video. Do not close the app until it reaches 100%.
  4. Once finished, click Save to your computer (or it will automatically save to your Downloads folder).

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

Editing video requires a lot of processing power. If your computer is old or low on RAM, Clipchamp may freeze or crash. Close all other apps (especially Chrome tabs) before you start editing.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Clipchamp asks me to upgrade to premiumUsed a premium assetYou accidentally used a stock video, audio track, or filter marked with a small diamond icon. Delete that item from your timeline to export for free.
"Locate missing assets" errorYou deleted the original filesClipchamp doesn't copy your files; it links to them. If you move or delete the original video file from your computer while editing, the project breaks. Put the file back.