Windows Movie Maker was a popular video editing software that came pre-installed with Windows operating systems. It allowed users to create and edit videos, add transitions and effects, and share them with others. However, in 2017, Microsoft discontinued Windows Movie Maker, leaving many users searching for alternative video editing software. In this article, we will explore the programs that replaced Movie Maker and provide a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best one for your needs.
Why Was Windows Movie Maker Discontinued?
Before we dive into the programs that replaced Movie Maker, let’s take a look at why it was discontinued in the first place. Microsoft decided to discontinue Windows Movie Maker as part of its efforts to streamline its product offerings and focus on more popular applications. The company also cited the rise of mobile devices and online video editing tools as a reason for discontinuing the software.
What Were The Key Features Of Windows Movie Maker?
Windows Movie Maker was a user-friendly video editing software that offered a range of features, including:
- Video editing: Users could import video clips, trim and split them, and arrange them in a timeline.
- Transitions and effects: The software offered a range of transitions and effects that users could apply to their videos.
- Audio editing: Users could add audio tracks to their videos, adjust the volume, and add narration.
- Sharing: Users could share their videos on YouTube, Facebook, and other social media platforms.
What Programs Replaced Movie Maker?
Since the discontinuation of Windows Movie Maker, several programs have emerged as alternatives. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a range of features, including:
- Support for 4K video editing
- Color correction and audio editing tools
- Keyframe animation and compositing
- Support for a wide range of file formats
Shotcut is a popular choice among video editors due to its flexibility and customizability. It offers a wide range of plugins and scripts that users can use to extend its functionality.
Lightworks
Lightworks is a professional-level video editing software that is available for Windows. It offers a range of features, including:
- Multi-camera editing
- Advanced trimming and editing tools
- Real-time effects and color correction
- Support for 4K and HD video editing
Lightworks is a popular choice among professional video editors due to its advanced features and high-quality output. It offers a free version, as well as a paid version with additional features.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a free video editing software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a range of features, including:
- Color correction and audio editing tools
- Multi-camera editing and advanced trimming tools
- Support for 4K and HD video editing
- Real-time effects and keyframe animation
DaVinci Resolve is a popular choice among video editors due to its high-quality output and advanced features. It offers a free version, as well as a paid version with additional features.
VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is a non-linear video editing software that is available for Windows. It offers a range of features, including:
- Advanced trimming and editing tools
- Color correction and audio editing tools
- Support for a wide range of file formats
- Real-time effects and keyframe animation
VSDC Free Video Editor is a popular choice among video editors due to its flexibility and customizability. It offers a wide range of plugins and scripts that users can use to extend its functionality.
How To Choose The Best Program For Your Needs
With so many programs available, choosing the best one for your needs can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a video editing software:
Level Of Expertise
If you are a beginner, you may want to consider a software that is user-friendly and easy to use. Shotcut and VSDC Free Video Editor are good options for beginners due to their intuitive interfaces and tutorials.
If you are an advanced user, you may want to consider a software that offers more advanced features, such as Lightworks or DaVinci Resolve.
Operating System
Make sure the software you choose is compatible with your operating system. Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, while Lightworks is only available for Windows.
File Format Support
Make sure the software you choose supports the file formats you need to work with. Shotcut and VSDC Free Video Editor support a wide range of file formats, including MP4, AVI, and MOV.
Cost
Consider the cost of the software and whether it fits within your budget. Shotcut and VSDC Free Video Editor are free, while Lightworks and DaVinci Resolve offer both free and paid versions.
Conclusion
Windows Movie Maker may be discontinued, but there are many alternative video editing software available. Shotcut, Lightworks, DaVinci Resolve, and VSDC Free Video Editor are just a few examples of the many programs that can help you create and edit videos. When choosing a software, consider your level of expertise, operating system, file format support, and cost. With the right software, you can create high-quality videos that showcase your creativity and talent.
| Software | Operating System | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shotcut | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free | Support for 4K video editing, color correction and audio editing tools, keyframe animation and compositing |
| Lightworks | Windows | Free and paid versions | Multi-camera editing, advanced trimming and editing tools, real-time effects and color correction |
| DaVinci Resolve | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free and paid versions | Color correction and audio editing tools, multi-camera editing and advanced trimming tools, support for 4K and HD video editing |
| VSDC Free Video Editor | Windows | Free | Advanced trimming and editing tools, color correction and audio editing tools, support for a wide range of file formats |
By considering these factors and choosing the right software, you can create high-quality videos that showcase your creativity and talent.
What Happened To Windows Movie Maker?
Windows Movie Maker was a popular video editing software developed by Microsoft. However, it was discontinued in 2017, and the official download link was removed from the Microsoft website. Although it is no longer supported or updated, users can still download and install it from third-party websites.
Despite its discontinuation, Windows Movie Maker remains a nostalgic favorite among many users. Its simplicity and user-friendly interface made it an ideal choice for beginners and casual video editors. However, its lack of advanced features and compatibility issues with newer operating systems have led to the development of alternative video editing software.
What Program Replaced Windows Movie Maker?
Microsoft replaced Windows Movie Maker with the Photos app, which includes a built-in video editor. The Photos app is available on Windows 10 and later versions, offering a range of features and tools for editing and enhancing videos. While it may not be as feature-rich as some third-party video editing software, the Photos app provides a convenient and user-friendly way to edit videos without leaving the Windows ecosystem.
The Photos app offers a range of features, including trimming, splitting, and merging clips, as well as adding music, transitions, and effects. Users can also adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of their videos, and add text and captions. While it may not be a direct replacement for Windows Movie Maker, the Photos app is a capable video editing tool that can help users create engaging and professional-looking videos.
Is There A Free Alternative To Windows Movie Maker?
Yes, there are several free alternatives to Windows Movie Maker. Some popular options include Shotcut, Lightworks, and VSDC Free Video Editor. These software programs offer a range of features and tools for editing and enhancing videos, including support for multiple file formats, color correction, and visual effects.
Shotcut, for example, is a highly customizable video editor that supports a wide range of file formats and offers advanced features like color correction and keyframe animation. Lightworks, on the other hand, is a professional-level video editor that offers advanced features like multi-camera editing and visual effects. VSDC Free Video Editor is a non-linear video editor that offers advanced features like color correction and audio editing.
What Are The System Requirements For The Photos App?
The Photos app is available on Windows 10 and later versions, and requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM and 20GB of free disk space. It also requires a graphics card that supports DirectX 9 or later, and a processor that supports SSE2 or later. Additionally, the Photos app requires a 64-bit version of Windows, and is not compatible with 32-bit versions.
In terms of specific hardware requirements, the Photos app can run on a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and tablets. However, users may experience performance issues if their device is low on RAM or disk space. To ensure smooth performance, it’s recommended to have at least 4GB of RAM and 50GB of free disk space.
Can I Still Download Windows Movie Maker?
Yes, it is still possible to download Windows Movie Maker from third-party websites. However, users should be cautious when downloading software from unofficial sources, as it may contain malware or viruses. Additionally, since Windows Movie Maker is no longer supported or updated, users may experience compatibility issues or bugs when running the software on newer operating systems.
If you do decide to download Windows Movie Maker, make sure to only download it from reputable sources, and be aware of the potential risks. It’s also worth considering alternative video editing software that is still supported and updated, such as the Photos app or third-party options like Shotcut or Lightworks.
Is The Photos App Suitable For Professional Video Editing?
The Photos app is a capable video editing tool, but it may not be suitable for professional video editing. While it offers a range of features and tools, it lacks some of the advanced features and functionality that professional video editors require. For example, it does not support multi-camera editing, color grading, or advanced visual effects.
Professional video editors may find that the Photos app is too limited for their needs, and may prefer to use more advanced software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve. These software programs offer a range of advanced features and tools, including support for 4K and HDR video, multi-camera editing, and advanced color grading and visual effects.
Are There Any Other Video Editing Software Options Available?
Yes, there are many other video editing software options available, both free and paid. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Elements, CyberLink PowerDirector, and Magix Movie Edit Pro. These software programs offer a range of features and tools, including support for 4K and HDR video, multi-camera editing, and advanced color grading and visual effects.
In addition to these options, there are also many free and open-source video editing software programs available, such as OpenShot, Kdenlive, and Blender. These software programs offer a range of features and tools, including support for multiple file formats, color correction, and visual effects.