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How to Edit Videos Using Free Software on Windows 8

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It used to be that completing everyday tasks on devices running Microsoft’s Windows operating systems required users to download all sorts of software and tools. Sometimes these software tools cost hundreds of dollars and weren’t really that user-friendly. For example, tools like Premiere Elements are the standard by which all other video editing apps are judged. Unfortunately, it’s just not as user-friendly as new video makers might want. It also isn’t cheap.

Thankfully, Windows 8.1 users have two choices when editing videos. Here’s how to edit videos using free software for Windows 8.

Movie Moments

The first way to edit videos on Windows 8 is with Movie Moments. Movie Moments is a free app that comes installed on all Windows 8.1 hardware. It’s also installed for free when users download the Windows 8.1 update from the Windows Store.

To access Movie Moments, go to your Windows 8.1 device’s Start Screen by pushing the Windows key below your display or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.

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Click on the arrow in the bottom left corner of the Start Screen. You can also place your finger on your device’s touchscreen and swipe up to reveal a list of installed apps. Tap or click on the app labeled Movie Moments.

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Immediately, you’re should be greeted by Movie Moments’ home screen. To record video and edit it now, Tap or click on Take a video. To choose a video you’ve already taken tap or click on Pick a video.  Depending on what type of device you’re on, Windows 8 will take you to your webcam after you’ve given it permission to do so. Devices with a front-facing and rear facing camera will have a button on the bottom right that allows them to switch between cameras.

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To edit any video, simply adjust the two rounded dots that represent the start and end of a video. You can also add music to a video by tapping the music button.

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Movie Maker

While Movie Moments allows novice users to get in and quickly edit video complete with music, it won’t likely satisfy users who need more options. Users of Windows 8 devices that allow them to install desktop apps also have a second choice. Dubbed Movie Maker, Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8 users can quickly and easily edit video on their PC without having to buy any extra software.

Users can download Windows Essentials, the suite that includes desktop versions of Skype, SkyDrive, Mail, Writer and Photo Gallery free here.

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Once the download is complete, open the file and click or tap on Install Windows Essentials to install the full suite of apps. Click or tap on Choose the programs you want to install to install just Movie Maker and its sister desktop app Photo Gallery.

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Click or tap on Close once the install has finished.

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Press the Start button on your device or device’s keyboard to go back to the Start Screen. Click on the arrow on the bottom left of your Start Screen to open a list of installed apps. Users with touch screens should take their finger and place it at the bottom of their display, then swipe upwards.

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Tap or click on Movie Maker.

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Tap or click on Accept.

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There you have it, you’ve successfully installed Movie Maker on the Windows 8 Desktop. From here you can use the File button to open videos you’ve already recorded or click on the Webcam video button to record new videos using your webcam immediately.

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It’s important to remember that though Movie Maker has more features than Movie Moments, it still may be missing advanced options that software like Premiere Elements include. As such, it’s best to test out both Movie Maker and Movie Moments. Then you can make a decision on which solution is right for your video editing needs.

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. Bojan

    02/09/2014 at 7:11 pm

    After been without work for 6 months, I started freelancing over this site and with a little effort I easily bring in around $65 to $95 per/h! Without any doubt, it’s the easiest and most financially rewarding job I’ve ever had. It changed my life for the better and now I couldn’t be happier. This is what I do http://www.cashkept.com

  2. er had

    02/10/2014 at 9:14 am

    having trouble getting rid of the pre-loaded software on your Windows? Get solutions at https://www.windowsuninstaller.org/forums/index.php

  3. JAltJRw

    01/03/2017 at 3:30 am

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  4. elisa

    03/27/2017 at 2:13 pm

    Nobody can download Movie Maker today. See on Microsoft web site

  5. Jon

    04/21/2017 at 11:15 am

    Windows Essentials 2012 is no longer supported.

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