Windows 11 represented a true visual and functional revolution for PC users. Beyond its revamped interface, this operating system incorporates a series of improvements that have directly impacted the video edition, both for beginner creators and those looking for more professional results.
If you are one of those who want to go beyond the classic pre-installed photo editor or are looking for Powerful, easy-to-use alternatives tailored to your needsThis comprehensive overview gives you a complete overview of the most comprehensive free and paid video editing software you can install or use directly in your browser for Windows 11.
Windows 11 and video editing: a before and after
From its earliest versions, Microsoft included basic video editing tools in Windows. However, with the upgrade to Windows 11, the experience changed radically thanks to the integration of new applications, performance improvements, and support for artificial intelligence technology.
The Photos app still allows for minor edits, but the real leap forward comes with Clipchamp, acquired and integrated by Microsoft starting with version 22H2. This change has opened the door to a variety of possibilities and alternatives in terms of free and professional software for all user profiles, regardless of the type of project you want to undertake.
Built-in editors in Windows 11: Clipchamp and Photos
In previous versions of Windows, Movie Maker was the benchmark for quick and easy editing for years. Currently, in Windows 11, Clipchamp takes center stage, alongside the classic Photos app. Each has its strengths and limitations, so it's a good idea to understand them in detail.
Clipchamp: Microsoft's official video editor
Since the 22H2 update, Clipchamp has become the official built-in video editor on Windows 11. Clipchamp It stands out mainly for its simple and intuitive interface, immediate access to social media templates, a functional timeline, and extensive format support.
Its main advantages are:
- Full integration into Windows 11: It is installed by default and opens when you try to edit videos from the Photos app.
- Wide selection of themed templates: covers everything from Instagram, TikTok, and gaming videos to business presentations.
- Fast and flexible editing: allows for cuts, combinations, transitions and the inclusion of filters or effects without an excessive learning curve.
- Added tools: Automatic voiceovers (text-to-speech in over 70 languages using Azure), screen recording, audio management, stock video, and basic effects.
- Export in Full HD (1080p) with the free plan, an option that was previously exclusive to subscriptions.
To access advanced features, premium templates, and cloud storage, a monthly paid plan is required. Basic users will find the free plan sufficient for most personal or school projects.
Photos app: quick and easy editing
Although limited in video features, the Photos app remains a go-to solution for basic cuts and quick combinations. Allows you to crop, add titles, simple music, adjust speed or brightness and little else., unlike Clipchamp, which offers a much more complete and modular experience.
Currently, when you try to access the built-in video editor in Photos, you'll typically be automatically redirected to Clipchamp, a sign that this tool has been relegated to the background.
The best free alternatives for video editing on Windows 11
The arrival of Clipchamp hasn't stopped many users from continuing to search for other free apps that meet their needs. The universe of free video editors today is as wide as it is varied., with browser-based, cross-platform, and desktop-based programs with advanced features, some of which include features unique to the Professional Edition.
PowerDirector Essential
PowerDirector Essential It is one of the most award-winning and recommended tools on the market for editing videos on PC, for both beginners and advanced users. Its balance of power and ease of use makes it the preferred choice for YouTube content creators, influencers, and businesses.
Among its most powerful features are:
- AI-powered tools for automatic cropping, special effects, and image or voice enhancement.
- Video stabilizer and screen recording integration.
- Full 4K editing support and support for vertical and horizontal videos.
- Export without a watermark during the trial period, making it unique compared to other free editors.
- Intuitive workflow: import, organize, select transitions, titles, effects, and export to social media directly.
It includes AI features like background remover and voice changer, making advanced adjustments easy with just a few clicks.
Shotcut
Shotcut It's an open-source video editor that has garnered a legion of loyal users thanks to its power and versatility. It's perfect for those who want access to advanced features without paying for licenses.
It allows:
- Advanced audio mixing and professional color correction.
- Filters for 360-degree videos and support for a multitude of formats.
- Fully customizable interface with no limitations on export quality (including 4K).
Easy drag-and-drop, multi-track editing, and an active developer community make Shotcut a trusted choice for those looking for freedom without the cost.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve It's probably the most powerful free option for professionals. It's an editor designed for creatives and experts who need tools like AI-powered magic masking, multi-camera editing, advanced color grading, cinematic-quality effects, and audio editing powered by its own engine.
Among its strengths are:
- Advanced, intelligent color correction.
- Audio engine with support for over 2.000 simultaneous tracks.
- Possibility of producing complex visual effects, masking and retouching typical of cinema.
The learning curve is steep, but if you're looking for software that can handle professional projects at no cost, DaVinci Resolve is unbeatable in performance.
OpenShot
OpenShot It's another free, cross-platform video editor, supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its popularity stems from its simple interface, which makes it very easy to import, edit, and export videos with animations, filters, or 3D titles.
Highlights include:
- Keyframe animations.
- Export in resolutions up to 4K.
- Support for unlimited layers and templates.
- Wide compatibility of input and output formats.
It is the ideal option for those who are starting out and want to experiment with simple projects., vlogs or family videos, without giving up any advanced features.
VideoPad
VideoPad It's a basic option, perfect for those new to video editing and looking for a straightforward tool. It stands out for its simple interface, direct export to YouTube, and the inclusion of preset effects and transitions.
It allows:
- 3D editing and 360° videos.
- Support for up to 60 video formats.
- Motion reduction and easy-to-apply transitions.
Ideal for students and casual users, although with limitations when you need something more professional.
Other free and functional editors
In addition to those mentioned, there are interesting alternatives such as:
- Canva: It stands out for offering online video editing with pre-designed templates, automatic subtitling, and real-time collaboration, making it an ideal option for social media projects or collaborative work.
- CapCut: Focused on quick editing for TikTok and other networks, it includes trending effects and automatic AI background removal right from the browser.
- Lightworks: A renowned editor, used in Hollywood films such as “Pulp Fiction” or “Braveheart,” offers a limited free version and maximum export in 1080p (4K is exclusive to paid formats) but with a multitude of professional tools.
- VSDC Free Video Editor: One of the longest-running free software programs. Although its interface is less polished, it offers tools such as motion tracking, unlimited video tracks, and advanced effects. Perfect for both beginners and advanced users on a budget.
Paid professional editors: maximum power on Windows 11
For those looking to take things a step further or require advanced tools for commercial projects, there are several professional options fully compatible with Windows 11.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro It is the undisputed benchmark for professional editing for film, television, and streaming platforms. It's available via subscription and is used by most production houses globally.
Among its advanced features we find:
- Multi-camera editing, 3D work, stabilization and complex animations.
- Complete integration with other Adobe programs, such as After Effects or Audition.
- Support for external plugins to expand creative possibilities.
- Cloud collaboration features and access to the Adobe Stock library.
It has a steeper learning curve, but it's unsurpassed for professional workflows and high-quality results.
Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor It represents a middle-of-the-road option: with an intuitive interface, access to advanced features (such as chroma key, stabilization, and AI motion tracking), and a large library of filters and effects, but without the complexity of the Adobe range. It's perfect for those looking for professional-quality personal projects, corporate videos, or social media content.
It offers:
- Fast and fluid editing without the need for long tutorials.
- Advanced tools easily accessible to any user.
- User-friendly interface and fast export.
Requires an annual or one-time license, with a trial period available.
HitPaw Edimakor
HitPaw Edimakor It is a professional editor that has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, allowing you to generate scripts, edit audio using AI, add royalty-free images and videos, and incorporate modern animations and transitions.
It is differentiated by:
- AI editing, including automatic subtitles and speed-to-text conversion.
- Modern interface and full support for current video formats.
- Advanced cropping, conversion, filters, and popular effects options.
It is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as Mac, and includes a limited free version and paid premium versions.
Lightworks Pro
Lightworks, in its professional version, adds 4K export, access to broadcast-quality tools, LUTS effects and advanced background processing, as well as support for collaborative projects and an extensive library of templates, music, and effects for post-production.
Online options for video editing in Windows 11
Not everyone wants or can install software on their PC. Fortunately, there are video editors that work directly in the browser and deliver great results.
The main advantages of online editors are:
- They do not require installation and do not consume local CPU or storage resources.
- They allow real-time collaboration, automatic cloud saving, and access from any device.
- Ideal for quick tasks, social media editing, and collaborative work.
Some of the best online options are:
Clipchamp
In addition to being the default app on Windows 11, Clipchamp is available online with virtually the same editing features, templates, media bank, and automatic voiceovers. You can find more details about Clipchamp here..
XNUMX features you
XNUMX features you It stands out for its AI-based editor, ideal for beginners thanks to its guided flow, free templates, and tools like a script generator, text-to-speech, and just-click editing. It's an excellent option for creating videos for social media and other quick projects.
capwing
Kapwing is a platform for creators with editing tools, access to databases like Pexels, Unsplash, and Giphy, and the ability to add automatic translations, generate subtitles in any language, and export directly to social media. For more information, visit edit videos with CapCut online.
clide
Clideo lets you work with videos, images, and GIFs in the cloud, with features like trimming, merging, adding subtitles, and adjusting basic parameters. While it doesn't offer advanced chroma key or music sync tools, it's a fast and functional solution for simple editing.
Canva
Canva, in addition to being a powerful image and presentation editor, includes video editing with templates, automatic subtitling, sound effects, and customizable graphic elements.
How to choose the best video editor for your profile
Choosing the perfect editor for Windows 11 depends on many factors: experience level, type of projects, technical requirements, and budget. Here are some tips to help you decide:
- If you are a beginner or looking for quick results, opt for Clipchamp, PowerDirector Essential, OpenShot or online editors like FlexClip and Canva.
- If you need advanced tools and total control, DaVinci Resolve, Lightworks or Adobe Premiere Pro are unbeatable in performance and possibilities.
- If you prioritize editing from any device and team collaboration, Kapwing and Canva online will be your best option.
What to consider when choosing a video editor for Windows 11
The variety of programs can be overwhelming at first, but focusing on these points will make your choice easier:
- Intuitiveness and learning curve: Simple interfaces allow you to start editing without reading tutorials, but if you're looking for advanced tools, it may be worth investing time in training.
- Essential functions: Trimming, multi-track editing, automatic subtitling, media library, transitions, and HD export support are essential for most users.
- Limitations of free versionsSome apps add watermarks, limit features, or restrict export quality. Always check before investing time in your project.
- Updates and technical support: Choose tools that maintain regular updates and good support to resolve questions or problems.
- Support for artificial intelligence: More and more editors are incorporating AI features to facilitate tasks such as background removal, voice generation, automatic subtitles, or effect suggestions.
- Export and formats: Make sure your software exports in the formats and resolutions you need, especially if you're working with 4K video or for social media.
Frequently Asked Questions About Video Editing in Windows 11
- Does Windows 11 have a built-in video editor? Yes, Clipchamp is now the official editor and comes pre-installed since version 22H2. You can also edit it easily (and in a very limited way) from Photos, although Microsoft is moving this option away in favor of Clipchamp.
- Are there free alternatives without watermarks? Yes, PowerDirector Essential allows you to export videos without watermarks during the trial period, while Shotcut, OpenShot, or DaVinci Resolve offer clean exports, although they may require more learning.
- What is the best editor for beginners? PowerDirector and Clipchamp stand out for their ease of use and guided tutorials. OpenShot and VideoPad are also good, straightforward alternatives.
- Which editor is recommended for professional projects? Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Lightworks Pro are the most comprehensive suites for high-end audiovisual production.
- What is the difference between online and desktop editors? Online editors require no installation and allow editing from any computer, while desktop editors typically offer more power, advanced features, and greater control over system resources.
- Can I collaborate on projects online? Platforms like Kapwing and Canva allow for real-time collaborative work, sharing projects via links, and simultaneous editing.
What's new and what's new in video editing for Windows 11 in 2025
The video editing landscape on Windows 11 continues to evolve. Current trends include the integration of more artificial intelligence features, such as automatic clip creation from text, image and sound enhancement, smart subtitling, and rapid template-based editing. Plus, support for modern hardware enables 4K video, real-time effects, and ultra-fast exports, even on mid-range computers.
Microsoft is pushing for native integration of cloud editing features so that projects can be saved and shared without relying on specific devices. Another trend is automation: it's becoming easier to create engaging videos in just a few minutes, simply by selecting templates, dragging clips, and letting the software suggest music, effects, and transitions.
With today's tools, editing video in Windows 11 is easier, faster, and more flexible than ever. Whether you choose Clipchamp, free open-source editors, professional solutions, or online platforms, there are options for every need, budget, and experience level. The important thing is to identify your priorities, test various alternatives, and leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence to enhance your creative projects.