Uninstalling Windows Movie Maker on Windows 7 is a straightforward process involving accessing the Control Panel and removing the Windows Live Essentials suite, of which it’s a part, or selectively uninstalling just Movie Maker itself. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough and addresses common questions to ensure a smooth uninstall.
Understanding Windows Movie Maker and its Integration
Windows Movie Maker, a popular and user-friendly video editing software, was a key component of the Windows Live Essentials suite. This suite, which was discontinued by Microsoft, bundled several applications, including Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, and Writer. Consequently, uninstalling Movie Maker often involves removing the entire suite, unless you specifically choose a selective uninstall. While no longer officially supported, many users still rely on Movie Maker for basic video editing tasks. However, uninstalling it might be necessary due to various reasons such as upgrading to a newer video editing software, troubleshooting issues, or freeing up disk space.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstalling Movie Maker
This section details the primary methods for removing Movie Maker from your Windows 7 system.
Uninstalling via Control Panel (Recommended)
This is the most common and recommended method for uninstalling Windows Movie Maker.
- Access the Control Panel: Click the Start button, then select “Control Panel.” In the Control Panel, ensure the “View by” option (usually in the top-right corner) is set to either “Category” or “Large icons.”
- Navigate to Programs and Features: If viewing by Category, click “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” section. If viewing by Large or Small icons, click “Programs and Features.”
- Locate Windows Live Essentials: In the list of installed programs, find “Windows Live Essentials.”
- Initiate the Uninstall Process: Select “Windows Live Essentials” and click “Uninstall/Change.” A window will appear with two options: “Repair” and “Remove.” Choose “Remove.”
- Choose Programs to Remove: The next screen presents a list of all programs included in the Windows Live Essentials suite. Here, you have two choices:
- Uninstall All: If you want to remove all Windows Live Essentials programs (Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, etc.), select “Uninstall all Windows Live programs.”
- Select Movie Maker Only: To uninstall only Movie Maker, select “Choose the programs you want to uninstall.” Then, check the box next to “Windows Live Movie Maker” (or simply “Movie Maker” depending on the version) and deselect the checkboxes for any other programs you want to keep.
- Confirm and Complete Uninstall: Click “Uninstall” to begin the uninstallation process. A progress bar will indicate the status. Wait for the process to complete.
- Restart Your Computer (Optional): While not always necessary, restarting your computer after uninstalling software is generally a good practice to ensure all residual files and registry entries are properly removed.
Uninstalling with Dedicated Uninstaller Tools
While the Control Panel method is generally sufficient, sometimes residual files or registry entries can remain. Dedicated uninstaller tools can help remove these remnants. Some popular options include:
- Revo Uninstaller: A powerful uninstaller that scans for and removes leftover files and registry entries.
- IObit Uninstaller: Another effective uninstaller with similar features to Revo Uninstaller.
Caution: Using these tools requires caution. Always create a system restore point before using them, in case something goes wrong. Be careful not to delete any system files that are crucial for your computer’s operation.
Manually Removing Residual Files (Advanced Users Only)
Warning: This method is only recommended for experienced users who are comfortable editing the Windows Registry. Incorrectly editing the registry can cause serious problems with your computer.
After uninstalling using the Control Panel or a dedicated uninstaller, you can manually check for and delete any remaining files or registry entries related to Windows Movie Maker.
- Check Program Files Folders: Navigate to
C:Program FilesandC:Program Files (x86)(if you have a 64-bit system). Look for any folders related to “Windows Live” or “Movie Maker.” If found, delete them. - Clean the Registry: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
- Back Up the Registry: Before making any changes, back up your registry by clicking “File” -> “Export.” Choose a location to save the backup and give it a descriptive name.
- Search for Movie Maker Entries: Use the Find function (Ctrl+F) to search for “Movie Maker,” “Windows Live Movie Maker,” and “MovieMaker.” Delete any keys or values related to Movie Maker.
- Repeat for Other Terms: Repeat the search process for other relevant terms, such as “WLMovieMaker.exe.”
Important: Be extremely careful when deleting registry entries. Only delete entries that you are certain are related to Windows Movie Maker. If in doubt, leave it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why can’t I find Windows Live Essentials in my Programs and Features list?
If you can’t find “Windows Live Essentials,” it might be listed under a slightly different name, such as just “Windows Live.” Alternatively, if you installed Movie Maker individually (which was less common), it might be listed as “Movie Maker” or “Windows Movie Maker.” Also, ensure you are looking in the correct section within “Programs and Features,” as the list is usually alphabetical.
FAQ 2: What happens if I accidentally uninstall other Windows Live programs I still need?
If you accidentally uninstall programs you need, you can usually reinstall them by downloading the Windows Live Essentials installer (though it’s no longer officially supported) from archive websites. Search for “Windows Live Essentials download archive” to find reliable sources. Be cautious about downloading from untrusted sources.
FAQ 3: Will uninstalling Movie Maker delete my video projects?
No, uninstalling Movie Maker will not delete your video project files (.wlmp files) or the video and audio files you used in your projects. The uninstall process only removes the Movie Maker application itself, not your personal files.
FAQ 4: I get an error message during the uninstallation process. What should I do?
Error messages during uninstallation can be caused by various issues, such as corrupted files or conflicts with other programs. Try the following:
- Restart your computer: This can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Run the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter: Microsoft provides a troubleshooter specifically designed to fix issues with installing or uninstalling programs.
- Disable your antivirus software temporarily: Sometimes, antivirus software can interfere with the uninstallation process.
- Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
sfc /scannowto scan and repair corrupted system files.
FAQ 5: Is there a newer version of Movie Maker I can download instead of uninstalling?
Microsoft no longer supports Windows Movie Maker or Windows Live Essentials. There is no newer version to download from official sources. If you need a more modern video editor, consider exploring alternative software options like DaVinci Resolve, OpenShot, or HitFilm Express.
FAQ 6: How do I know if the uninstallation was successful?
After completing the uninstallation process, check the following:
- Movie Maker should no longer be listed in the Start menu or Programs and Features.
- The Movie Maker executable file (usually located in
C:Program FilesWindows LiveMovie MakerorC:Program Files (x86)Windows LiveMovie Maker) should be gone. - If you used a dedicated uninstaller tool, it should report that the uninstallation was successful.
FAQ 7: Can I reinstall Movie Maker after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Movie Maker after uninstalling it, but you’ll need to download the Windows Live Essentials installer from an archive website. Be aware that this version is no longer supported, so you may encounter compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities.
FAQ 8: Does uninstalling Movie Maker improve my computer’s performance?
Uninstalling Movie Maker can free up some disk space and system resources, which may lead to a slight improvement in performance, especially if your computer has limited resources. However, the impact is usually minimal unless Movie Maker was causing specific performance issues.
FAQ 9: What are some good alternatives to Windows Movie Maker?
Numerous video editing software options are available. Free options include DaVinci Resolve (powerful and professional-grade, but with a steeper learning curve), OpenShot (user-friendly and open-source), and HitFilm Express (offers a wide range of features and effects). Paid options include Adobe Premiere Elements (user-friendly and feature-rich), and Corel VideoStudio (another popular choice with a good balance of features and ease of use).
FAQ 10: Why is Windows Live Essentials no longer supported by Microsoft?
Microsoft discontinued Windows Live Essentials in January 2017 to focus on developing and supporting their newer, more integrated applications and services.
FAQ 11: What are the security risks of using an unsupported version of Movie Maker?
Using an unsupported version of Movie Maker can expose you to security risks, as Microsoft no longer provides security updates or patches for vulnerabilities that may be discovered. This could make your computer more vulnerable to malware and other threats.
FAQ 12: How can I safely download the Windows Live Essentials installer to reinstall Movie Maker?
Only download the Windows Live Essentials installer from reputable archive websites. Avoid downloading from unknown sources or websites that ask for personal information. Scan the downloaded file with your antivirus software before running it. It’s generally safer to consider using a supported and updated video editing alternative instead.