Windows Movie Maker
System requirements
Windows Movie Maker requires the following minimum system configuration:
- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional
- A 600 megahertz (MHz) processor, such as an Intel Pentium III, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Athlon, or equivalent processor
- 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM
- 2 gigabytes (GB) of free hard disk space
- An audio capture device (to capture audio from external sources)
- A DV or analog video capture device (to capture video from external sources)
- An Internet connection (to save and send a movie to the Web or to send a movie as an attachment in an e-mail message)
To optimize the performance of Windows Movie Maker, the following system requirements are recommended:
- A 1.5 gigahertz (GHz) processor, such as an Intel Pentium 4, an AMD Athlon XP 1500+, or equivalent processor
- 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM
The following software is required to play back a movie:
- Microsoft Windows 98 or later or Windows NT® 4.0 or later
- Software that can play Windows Media Video (WMV) files, such as Microsoft Windows Media Player 7.0 or later (Windows Media Player 9 Series is recommended to optimize movie playback)
Related topics
- Understanding capture devices
- Getting started
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2012 (16.4.3528.0331) (March 31, 2014)
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Download Windows Movie Maker 2012 (16.4.3528.0331) 131MB Win
Download Windows Movie Maker old versions Archive
Freeware (Free software and usage!)
Windows
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(Latest version updated)
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Tool features — Convert
Acronyms / Also Known As
Windows Movie Maker, WMM, Windows Live Movie Maker, Movie Maker, MovieMaker, WLMM
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Rating by wewewe on
Oct 18, 2018 Version: 2.513
OS: Windows 7 Ease of use: 2/10
Functionality: 2/10
Value for money: 2/10
Overall: 2/10
The Windows Live Team had released a new beta version of the new windows live movie maker on AUGUST 17 2010!
Free download from here: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-beta
New features were added:
1. Speed up video
2. Slow motion video effect
3. Pan and Zoom videos
4. New Text effects
5. New Automovie Themes: Cinematic, Contemporary, Pan and Zoom, Fade, Black&White and Sepia.
6. Take a snapshot
7. Publish to Flickr, Skydrive, Facebook, Youtube
8. Transcode HD video file to easily edit them
For more information, watch vide tutorials about WLMM on http://youtube.com/LiveMovieMaker
Review by LiveMovieMaker on
Aug 27, 2010 Version: 3002.0810
OS: Windows 7 64-bit Ease of use: 10/10
Functionality: 8/10
Value for money: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
The true key to making professional quality videos is in the mind of the artist, not how many bells and whistles is in their software. I have and use about a dozen different video programs, but I frequently find that Moviemaker does just what I need very nicely.
Review by LilPeck on
Aug 31, 2008 Version: 6
OS: Vista Ease of use: 10/10
Functionality: 8/10
Value for money: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
This is the Vista version which like Movie Maker 2 finally allows you to cleanly edit DVR-MS files created by XP-MCE and Vista MC! Can’t beat that and its included with Vista. A few more options and features and companies like Pinnacle might start thinking about filing an anti-trust suit against MS, lol
Publishing (Encoding) is a bit slow, takes 19 mins to convert a DVR-MS file edited (MPEG-2 video, MPEG-1 audio) that is roughly 22 min recorded program. Or is that slow? Personally I don’t know, I did very little encoding on my old machine (Dell Pent 4 2.3Ghz, Non-HT) which was dirt slow depending on file size of course.
My newest rig (AMD 5000+ BE 3.0Ghz Dual Core) is shhhh fast to be fair to the older machine, so encoding should be faster regardless.
Review by dj4monie on
Apr 21, 2008 Version: 6.0
OS: Vista Ease of use: 9/10
Functionality: 8/10
Value for money: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
It all looks like a reasonable product when you start but it is very slow to reload projects. Also saving as anything but DV-AVI is impossible — WMV just will not work. Resulting AVI has messed up photo fades and stuttering sound.
Review by peterlc on
May 16, 2007 Version: 2.1.4206
OS: WinXP Ease of use: 5/10
Functionality: 2/10
Value for money: 5/10
Overall: 2/10
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Windows Movie Maker was a popular video editing program developed by Microsoft that enabled users to create, edit, and share videos with ease. While it was discontinued in 2017, many users still look for ways to use it on their current operating systems, including Windows 11. Although it’s not officially supported anymore, there are methods to install it on Windows 11. This article provides a detailed guide on how to install Windows Movie Maker, along with troubleshooting tips and alternative options.
Understanding Windows Movie Maker
Windows Movie Maker was part of the Windows Essentials suite and was known for its user-friendly interface that allowed anyone, regardless of their technical expertise, to create and edit videos. Features included video stabilization, transitions, effects, and the ability to share videos directly to social media platforms.
Although Microsoft has moved on to focusing on its newer applications like Microsoft Photos and Microsoft Video Editor, the nostalgia attached to Windows Movie Maker has led many users to seek it out for simpler video editing tasks.
System Requirements
Before installing Windows Movie Maker (also known as Windows Live Movie Maker), it’s crucial to ensure that your system meets the requirements. The software can be run on older versions of Windows, but on Windows 11, compatibility may vary. Here are some of the considerations:
-
Hardware Requirements:
- At least an Intel Pentium 4 processor or equivalent.
- 1 GB of RAM or more.
- At least 512 MB of video memory, though 1 GB is recommended for better performance.
-
Operating System:
- While Windows Movie Maker officially supported up to Windows 7, it may still operate on Windows 11 with some limitations.
-
Available Disk Space:
- At least 1 GB of free hard disk space for installation plus additional space for processing videos.
Finding a Safe Download Source
Because Windows Movie Maker is no longer provided by Microsoft, you must download it from a third-party website. Here are some tips to ensure your download is safe:
-
Reputation of the Source: Always check the reviews and reputation of the site you are downloading from. Popular tech forums or sites like GitHub could have reliable versions shared by users.
-
Virus Scanning: Scan the downloaded file with a reliable antivirus software to ensure it is free of malware.
-
User Feedback: Check user feedback and discussions on tech forums about the version you’re about to download. It gives insights into its functionality and potential issues.
Downloading Windows Movie Maker
-
Search for a reputable download site: Use search engines and inquire on tech forums for suggestions. Relevant keywords can include «Windows Movie Maker download for Windows 11».
-
Select the correct version: Once you find a trustworthy site, look for the installer associated with Windows Live Movie Maker. Make sure the version supports 32-bit or 64-bit installation based on your Windows 11 architecture.
-
Download the installer: Follow the prompts on the website to download the application. Note the location on your computer where the installer is saved.
Installing Windows Movie Maker
The installation process for Windows Movie Maker on Windows 11 is relatively straightforward but may vary slightly depending on the version downloaded. Follow these steps:
-
Access the Installer:
- Navigate to the directory where you saved the downloaded installer.
- Look for a file typically named «wlsetup-all.exe» or similar.
-
Run the Installer:
- Right-click on the installer file and select “Run as administrator”.
- You may be prompted by User Account Control (UAC) to allow the app to make changes to your device; click “Yes” to proceed.
-
Installation Wizard:
- The Windows Essentials setup will begin. Accept the license agreements and conditions to continue.
- You might have to select the components you want to install. Ensure that Windows Movie Maker is selected, along with any other programs in the suite you might want.
-
Follow the Prompts:
- Proceed through any additional prompts, tweaking settings if necessary, until you reach the finish point.
- Wait for the installation process to complete. It may take several minutes to install everything.
-
Finish Installation:
- Once the installation is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message.
- You can then click “Finish” to exit the setup wizard.
Troubleshooting Installation Issues
If you encounter problems during the installation process, here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips:
Compatibility Issues
- Run in Compatibility Mode: Right-click on the installer, select ‘Properties’, and navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab. Check “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and choose Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the dropdown menu.
Missing Dependencies
- Install .NET Framework: Some functionalities of Windows Movie Maker may require the .NET Framework. If prompted, download and install the necessary version from the Microsoft website.
Errors During Installation
- Error Messages: Keep an eye out for error messages during the installation. Often, running the installer as an administrator can resolve these issues.
Reboot Your Computer
- Reboot After Installation: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve glitches and help finalize any installations.
Getting Started with Windows Movie Maker
Once installed successfully, you can start using Windows Movie Maker to create your videos. Here are the basic steps to navigate and start your first project:
- Open Windows Movie Maker: Look for the app in your start menu or desktop.
- Create a New Project: Click on «File», then select «New Project» to get started.
- Import Media: Use the «Import» feature to add photos and videos from your device. You can drag and drop files directly into the timeline.
- Editing Tools: Familiarize yourself with the various editing tools such as cutting, splitting, and trimming. Use transitions and effects to enhance your video.
- Save and Export: After finishing edits, save your project regularly. When you’re ready, export the video using the ‘Publish’ option to share it across platforms.
Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker
While Windows Movie Maker is a simple tool, it is advisable to also explore other modern alternatives that offer more robust features:
-
Windows Video Editor: This built-in option in Windows 11 provides a seamless editing experience with functionality comparable to Movie Maker.
-
HitFilm Express: A free video editing and visual effects software that offers comprehensive tools for more advanced users.
-
DaVinci Resolve: Best known for its color grading capabilities, DaVinci Resolve is free and offers professional-grade editing features.
-
Shotcut and OpenShot: Easy-to-use free editing software, perfect for beginners looking to create videos without a steep learning curve.
Conclusion
Downloading and installing Windows Movie Maker on Windows 11 can bring back nostalgic memories for many users while providing a fun way to create and share videos. Through careful sourcing of the installation file and attention to troubleshooting issues, you can successfully get this classic software running on your modern operating system.
While its availability is limited due to Microsoft discontinuing support, Windows Movie Maker remains a useful tool for simple video projects. However, do consider looking into modern alternatives that can make your editing endeavors easier, more powerful, and better supported. Regardless of the tool you choose, the important part is to enjoy the process of video creation!
Microsoft’s video editor
When we talk about video editing on a PC we usually think about complicated solutions that offer almost professional results, as is the case of Adobe Premiere, Final Cut or Pinnacle Studio, and the most of the time we forget about the average user, without advanced knowledge, that just want to make a small edit and is not interested in the excellent features that the previous products can offer us. And for those occasions, nothing better than a simple video editor as you can use once you download Windows Movie Maker for PC. It has been around for years, getting inexperienced users in the field of video editors out of tight spots, ever since it was launched for Windows ME to the latest Windows 10. The product has been off the market since 2012, but this latest version that turns out to be the best of them all (much better than Movie Maker 2.1 or 2.6), still runs on the most modern operating systems.
A basic video editor, ideal for homemade creations.
Main features
From a simple, sober and clean interface, that has hardly evolved through its different versions, you can carry out actions such as the following:
- Create your own movies or animations using photos or other videos.
- Possibility to import video, fixed images or audio.
- Option to add music from our music library or download it from online services.
- Record video from a webcam and audio narrations from a microphone.
- Modify the sequence of frames of a video dragging and dropping them on a timeline.
- Turn up or down the volume of narrations, music or video.
- Add image effects, transitions and subtitles.
- Incorporate opening or closing credits to name the stars, the director, the location or the OST writer.
- Preview your videos before finishing them.
- Save your creations locally, upload them to the cloud or send them by email.
Where to download Windows Movie Maker for PC? Where can I find its installer?
You’re probably driving yourself crazy looking for an installation file for this program without too much success. That’s because it doesn’t exist as a standalone application but is included within the pack of tools Windows Live Essentials. You can still find the 2012 version of this software on the official website of Microsoft by following the link we’re offering you through our download button.
By running the EXE file you choose between installing all the programs that are part of the pack of tools, including Messenger, Mail, Writer or OneDrve, or choosing the individual components to be installed. In this case, Photo Gallery & Movie Maker come as the same product. Then you’ve only got to hit the Install button and wait for a few seconds for the process to be completed.
If you want to carry on enjoying the advantages of Movie Maker 2012 you’re going to have to hurry up as Microsoft has announced that it will no longer be available after January of 2017, replacing the app with a much more modern version on its Windows Store.
Requirements and additional information:
- Doesn’t work on Window XP or older systems.