How to Crop Videos in Windows 11: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Cropping Videos in Windows 11: Your Handy Trick

Got a few clips that need a quick trim here and there? Luckily, Windows 11 makes this a breeze with the built-in Photos app. Whether you want to cut out that random person wandering into the shot or zoom in on your signature dance moves, cropping helps tidy up your videos without the need for pricey software. Here’s how to do it without pulling your hair out.

Opening Your Video in Photos

Start by locating your video file. Right-click it, select “Open with,” and choose Photos. This is Windows’ default media viewer and it includes handy editing features. It’s quite straightforward, but since Windows updates often change things around, just double-check that Photos is set as the default for your video formats like .mp4 or .avi by heading to Settings > Apps > Default apps.

A quick tip: Sometimes, you might need to reassign Photos as the default app. Windows can be a bit persistent with these settings!

Locating the Crop Tool

Once your video is open in Photos, look for the “Edit & Create” button at the top. Click on it, and you’ll see your editing options appear. To crop, you’ll need to access the crop feature, which can sometimes be a bit hidden. If you don’t see ‘Crop’ immediately, check under “Adjustments” or similar tabs. Think of it as a little hide-and-seek game with your editing tools.

Adjusting the Crop

This is where the fun (and sometimes the frustration) begins. Click and drag the corners of the crop box to frame the part of the video you want to keep. It’s the perfect way to remove unwanted background clutter or zoom in on what really matters. A handy tip: keeping the aspect ratio locked ensures your video looks good on other devices—no one wants a wonky or cropped-out half shot.

Pro tip: Hold Shift while dragging to maintain the aspect ratio. It makes cropping a lot smoother—trust me on this one!

Saving Your Edited Video

Once you’re happy with the crop, click the “Save a copy” button. This creates a new file, leaving your original intact—great for backup or if you change your mind later. Make a note of where you save it; it’ll save you hunting for the file during the next family gathering.

If you’re comfortable with command line tools, you can also crop videos using ffmpeg. Here’s an example command:
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter:v "crop=width:height:x:y" output.mp4. Just swap in your parameters, and you’re sorted.

Tips for Better Cropping

Before you get started, preview your video to ensure you’re editing the right clip—nothing worse than realising halfway through that you’re cropping the wrong video! Also, consider the aspect ratio (like 16:9 or square for IG). Planning where your video will be shared helps make it look professional. Always back up your original files—better safe than sorry if you need to revert.

If something goes awry during editing, simply press Ctrl + Z to undo. It’s a real lifesaver.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cropping

Can I crop multiple videos at once?

Not with Photos—it’s a one clip at a time job. For batch cropping, you might want to try dedicated software like DaVinci Resolve.

Will cropping in Photos reduce my video’s quality?

No, cropping in Photos generally doesn’t affect quality because it doesn’t alter the original file. But for more precise editing or professional results, more advanced software might be the better choice.

What video formats does Photos support?

Photos works with common formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI, so most of your clips are supported without any hassle.

Can I recover the original video after cropping?

Only if you’ve kept a backup. Once you save over the original or save a cropped version, the original is lost unless you’ve saved a copy elsewhere. Better to be safe than sorry!

Do I need extra software to crop videos?

For basic cropping, not at all. But if you’re after more advanced features, third-party apps might be the way to go.

Quick Recap of Cropping in Windows 11

1. Open your video in Photos—this is your starting point!
2. Head to “Edit & Create” to find the crop options.
3. Adjust the crop box until it looks just right.
4. Save your edited clip as a new file using “Save a copy”—don’t overwrite the original.

Cropping videos in Windows 11 with Photos isn’t just easy, it’s surprisingly intuitive. It’s a handy way to tidy up footage and give your videos a more polished look. Remember to back up your originals and get familiar with the app—this makes editing much smoother in the long run. So, go ahead, give it a try, and turn your raw footage into something you’re proud to share. Hopefully, this saves you a bit of time and hassle!