Video creation is more accessible than ever thanks to intuitive editing apps that transform raw clips into compelling stories. For Windows users, the Microsoft Store offers a robust selection of highly-rated free video editors packed with features to appeal to first-timers.
This definitive guide compares the 15 top video editing apps from Microsoft Store with details on core features, limitations of free versions, system requirements, sharing capabilities and more. Discover which solution best matches your experience level, use case and platform needs.
The Rapid Rise of Creative Apps
Video editor apps have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to explosive growth in vlogging, social video sharing and remote work. Grand View Research reports global creative app market size reached $641.2 billion in 2022, expanding at 19.7% CAGR. Driving this is increasing smartphone penetration in developing markets like India, Brazil, Vietnam along with creation features in leading social/collaboration platforms.
However, Windows still rules preferred computing device for intensive video production given availability of high-core-count CPUs, dedicated GPUs, gaming monitors and specialty peripherals. Per StatCounter, Windows holds 84.38% market share of desktop operating systems as of January 2023 with Apple‘s macOS trailing at 15%.
While Windows supports best-of-breed third-party video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro, the Microsoft Store provides a more curated source of production apps designed specifically for Windows integration complete with automatic updates, cloud syncing and more. Let‘s examine the top contenders:
1. Clipchamp – Microsoft’s Own Easy Video Editor
Microsoft’s free Clipchamp editor offers a streamlined timeline interface packed with premium features including AI-powered graphics/voice generation, 1 million+ free stock media items, webcam capture and abundant templates for quick custom projects.
File Format Support: MP4, MOV, AVI and more
Max Export Resolution: 1080p
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal For: Beginners wanting quality results quickly without complexity.
Clipchamp delivers easy yet powerful video editing (Image credit: Microsoft)
2. PowerDirector 19 – Award-Winning Video Editing
CyberLink’s highly acclaimed PowerDirector 365 brings professional Hollywood-style effects, multi-cam editing and dynamic title templates to enthusiasts. Unique AI features include subject tracking, beat sync based on music tempo and automatic chroma key.
File Format Support: MP4, MOV, MKV + more
Max Export Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Vloggers, content creators prioritizing premium production value.
3. CapCut – Specialized for Short Social Videos
Crafted by ByteDance (the creators of TikTok), CapCut enables anyone to make compelling short videos for leading social/video platforms. Smart features like beat sync, auto captions and quick clipping streamline editing. One-tap export to YouTube, TikTok etc.
File Format Support: MP4, MOV
Max Export Resolution: 1080p/4K with Watermark
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Creating vertical shorts for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts quickly.
4. Movavi Video Editor Plus – User-Friendly Video Maker
Living up to its name, Movavi Video Editor Plus excels in usability with intuitive clip joining tools, filter presets and transitions for instantly enhanced videos. Further accelerate editing via one-click Auto Movie mode.
File Format Support: AVI, WMV, MP4, MOV and more
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: First-timers wanting cut well-produced social videos fast.
5. InShot – Pro Video Editor and Video Maker
Boasting over 1 billion downloads worldwide, InShot delivers a stacked media library alongside robust editing tools like chroma key, frame-by-frame trimming and multi-track timeline catering from vloggers to enterprise usage.
File Format Support: MP4, MOV, MKV and more
Max Export Resolution: 1080P
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Producing multi-scene videos like lectures, tutorials at scale.
6. FilmoraGo – Video Editor for Beginners
From leading video editor brand Wondershare, FilmoraGo offers a friendly interface packed with effects (filters, overlays, stickers titles etc.), integrated transitions, auto beat-syncing features and algorithmic background removal for quick video upgrades.
File Format Support: MP4, AVI, MOV
Max Export Resolution: 1080p
GPU Acceleration: No
Ideal for: First-timers to add polish, share casual social videos.
7. VivaVideo – Creative Video Maker & Editor
VivaVideo enables next-level video expressiveness through its range of stickers, subtitles, overlays, animations and dynamic transitions. Intelligent hands-free features like subject recognition reduce editing workload tremendously.
File Format Support: MP4, MOV, and more
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Personalizing/branding footage for things like school projects, business videos.
8. Kizoa Online Video Editor
As a browser-based editor, Kizoa offers lightweight, smooth editing accessible on low-powered machines. Beginners benefit from its extensive template library across verticals, abundance of stock media and easily customized themes complete with professional effects.
File Format Support: MP4, AVI, MOV, GIF and more
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: No
Ideal for: Entry-level marketing clips, real estate videos, travel logs requiring templates.
9. VideoProc Vlogger Kit
Simplifying more than editing, VideoProc Vlogger Kit powers up creators through built-in optimization enhancing footage quality, niche editing presets (slo-mo, hyperlapse etc.), drawing tools plus unmatched 4K+ video conversion enabling uploads to any platform.
File Format Support: ALL major formats
Max Export Resolution: 8K
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Preparing and repurposing clips for multi-channel publishing beyond editing.
10. Alight Creative Kit – Effects Powerhouse
Alight Motion‘s heavyweight effects engine paired with extensive media library lets creators craft unique videos rivaling professional productions. Keyframe timeline control enables precise animation. AI-powered sync and subject tracking assist throughout.
File Format Support: MOV, MP4, MKV, GIF and more
Max Export Resolution: 1080p watermarked
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Crafting sleek, magazine cover-worthy music videos, trailers, intros etc.
11. Action Director – Video Editor
A newcomer gaining quick traction, Action Director stands out through niche video production features like stop motion animation, multi-layer compositing and green screen powered by color key chroma effects. Rounding it out are a library of songs/sound effects, 250+ filter presets and custom transition design.
File Format Support: MOV, AVI, GIF, MP4 and more
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Producing special effects-focused videos – gameplay montages, sci-fi shorts, music mashups.
12. Video Editor 10 – Easy Movie Maker
Offering a familiar and easy workflow, Video Editor 10 enables multi-track timeline video projects complete with integrated audio editor, customizable title cards, picture-in-picture and split screen effects right from the Windows 11 Editor pane.
File Format Support: ALL major formats
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Straightforward video joins and edits needing seamless Windows OS integration.
13. FilmForth – Video Maker for Beginners
FilmForth accelerates entry-level editing by combining photos, videos, music and text across a simple timeline interface complete with pre-designed transitions obeying beat tempo. 300+ background music tracks supplement user media. Export support covers social media to 4K.
File Format Support: MP4, WMV, MOV, GIF and more
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: No
Ideal for: First-timers wanting automated, musical slideshow-style edits for memories, events etc.
14. Promo Video Maker – Marketing Video Editor
Purpose-built for business usage, Promo Video Maker offers polished templates covering promos, ads, explainers, posts and more to convey branding, messaging and value quickly. Simply customize hundreds of included animations, images, icons and fonts to tell your story.
File Format Support: MP4, MOV
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal for: Businesses needing affordable, high-converting marketing videos fast.
15. VSDC Free Video Editor
Established name VSDC brings advanced editing techniques like masking, keyframes, freeze frames and mosaic blur to enthusiasts. Its modern UI will feel familiar to veteran creators comfortable with traditional stack timeline interfaces augmented by a contemporary filter gallery.
File Format Support: ALL major formats
Max Export Resolution: 4K
GPU Acceleration: Yes
Ideal For: Advanced hobbyists, students with prior video editing experience.
Achieving Creative Video Goals Faster
Whichever Microsoft Store video editing app you select as a beginner, keep these key tips in mind:
Start Small, Think Big – Begin editing casual clips before tackling long projects. But pick an app supporting capabilities aligned to end goals.
Add Music ASAP – Include background audio tracks early when piecing together footage to subconciously influence pacing of edits.
Use Time-Saving Templates – Leverage pre-made templates and duplicate prior edits to maintain consistency across videos saving tons production time.
Back Up Often – Frequently save project files locally and leverage cloud auto-save features in apps to prevent losing work from app/OS crashes.
Have Fun First – Don‘t worry about perfection initially – enjoy playing with edits first, creativity will follow naturally.
We hope this definitive guide to the top-rated free video editors in the Microsoft Store assists you in avoiding choice paralysis. Download a couple apps that catch your eye to compare hands-on. Edited videos make the best shared memories.
