Cropping a video removes material from the edges of the frame; trimming removes time from the beginning or end. Windows 10’s older built-in video tools changed substantially over time, so use a current supported editor rather than relying on obsolete Photos Video Editor instructions.
Use a current video editor
- Open the video in a maintained editor that supports crop, such as Microsoft’s current video-editing offering where supported.
- Add the clip to a project or timeline.
- Select the crop/frame tool and adjust the visible area.
- Preview the full clip to make sure important content is not cut off.
- Export a new video file, preserving the original until the result is verified.
Crop versus aspect ratio
Changing from 16:9 to 9:16 for a vertical video can require cropping the left and right edges. A “fit” option may instead add empty space. Choose based on the destination and content.
Quality and export
Re-encoding can reduce quality, especially after repeated exports. Start from the original source, choose an appropriate resolution/bitrate, and avoid repeatedly editing an already compressed copy.
Windows 10 status
Windows 10 standard support ended in 2025, and Microsoft has retired or replaced some of its older media apps. Current app availability should be checked on the specific PC.
Keep the subject in frame
Preview movement throughout the clip after cropping. A crop that looks correct on the first frame can cut off a person, caption, cursor, or other important content later in the video.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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