Windows Movie Maker, once a staple for simple video editing on Windows, is no longer officially supported by Microsoft. Therefore, you cannot directly download Windows Movie Maker from the Microsoft website for Windows 10. However, there are alternative methods and vital considerations to keep in mind before attempting to install it from unofficial sources.
Understanding the Availability of Windows Movie Maker
While technically possible to find installations of Windows Movie Maker online, it’s crucial to understand the implications. The official program was discontinued in 2017, meaning any versions you find on third-party websites are likely unsupported, potentially outdated, and may contain malware or viruses. This poses a significant security risk to your Windows 10 system.
The Official End-of-Life
Microsoft ceased support for Windows Movie Maker as part of its Windows Essentials suite. This means no further updates, security patches, or bug fixes have been released. Consequently, using an older version on a modern operating system like Windows 10 can lead to compatibility issues, instability, and security vulnerabilities.
The Risks of Unofficial Downloads
Downloading software from unofficial sources is inherently risky. Websites promising “free downloads” of Windows Movie Maker often bundle the program with adware, spyware, or even more malicious software. This can compromise your privacy, slow down your computer, and potentially lead to identity theft or financial fraud. Always exercise extreme caution when considering downloading software from sources other than the official vendor.
Safe Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker
Given the risks associated with unofficial downloads, exploring alternative video editing software is strongly recommended. Numerous free and paid options offer similar or even superior functionality to Windows Movie Maker.
Free Video Editing Software
-
Microsoft Photos App: Windows 10 comes with a built-in Photos app that includes basic video editing capabilities. While not as feature-rich as dedicated video editors, it’s a safe and convenient option for simple tasks like trimming, adding text, and applying filters.
-
DaVinci Resolve: A professional-grade video editor used in the film industry, DaVinci Resolve offers a free version with a vast array of features. While the learning curve can be steep, the capabilities are unmatched for a free program.
-
OpenShot: A user-friendly, open-source video editor designed for beginners. OpenShot offers a simple interface and a good range of features for basic video editing tasks.
-
Shotcut: Another free, open-source video editor with a slightly more technical interface than OpenShot. Shotcut supports a wide range of video formats and offers advanced editing features.
Paid Video Editing Software
-
Adobe Premiere Elements: A simplified version of Adobe Premiere Pro, offering a balance between features and ease of use. Premiere Elements is a great option for users who want more advanced editing capabilities without the complexity of a professional-grade program.
-
Filmora: Known for its intuitive interface and wide range of effects and templates, Filmora is a popular choice for beginner to intermediate video editors.
-
CyberLink PowerDirector: A powerful video editor with a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of features. PowerDirector offers advanced editing tools and support for a variety of video formats.
Legitimate Ways to Access Windows Movie Maker (Potentially Insecure)
If you are absolutely determined to use Windows Movie Maker on Windows 10, understand the significant risks involved. If you previously used Windows Movie Maker on an older system (Windows 7 or 8.1), you might be able to transfer the installation files. However, compatibility is not guaranteed, and this method still carries the inherent security risks associated with running unsupported software.
Transferring from an Older System
- Locate the Windows Movie Maker installation files: On your older system (Windows 7 or 8.1), find the folder where Windows Movie Maker is installed (usually under
C:Program FilesWindows LivePhoto Gallery). - Copy the entire folder: Copy the entire “Photo Gallery” folder (containing Movie Maker) to an external hard drive or USB drive.
- Transfer to your Windows 10 system: Connect the external drive to your Windows 10 system and copy the “Photo Gallery” folder to a location of your choice (e.g.,
C:Program Files (x86)). - Run the Movie Maker executable: Within the “Photo Gallery” folder, locate the Movie Maker executable file (usually named
MovieMaker.exe). Double-click it to run the program.
Important Note: This method may not work perfectly, and you may encounter errors or compatibility issues. Furthermore, you are still using an unsupported and potentially vulnerable version of the software. Proceed at your own risk. It is strongly advised to scan the copied folder with a reputable antivirus program before running the executable.
FAQs: Windows Movie Maker and Windows 10
1. Is Windows Movie Maker compatible with Windows 10?
While it might run if you transfer the files from an older operating system, Windows Movie Maker is not officially compatible with Windows 10 and is no longer supported by Microsoft. Expect potential compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.
2. Where can I download Windows Movie Maker for free?
Officially, you cannot. Any website offering “free downloads” should be treated with extreme caution. These downloads often contain malware or unwanted software.
3. What are the risks of downloading Windows Movie Maker from third-party websites?
The risks include downloading malware, viruses, adware, spyware, and other unwanted software that can compromise your system’s security and performance. Your personal data may also be at risk.
4. What are the best alternatives to Windows Movie Maker for Windows 10?
Excellent alternatives include the built-in Microsoft Photos app, DaVinci Resolve (free and professional), OpenShot (free and user-friendly), Shotcut (free and advanced), Adobe Premiere Elements (paid), Filmora (paid), and CyberLink PowerDirector (paid).
5. Does the Microsoft Store offer Windows Movie Maker?
No, Windows Movie Maker is not available in the Microsoft Store. Apps with similar names are often imitations or scams.
6. Will Windows Movie Maker work if I install it in compatibility mode?
While running the executable in compatibility mode might improve performance, it doesn’t eliminate the underlying security risks associated with using unsupported software.
7. How can I be sure that a Windows Movie Maker download is safe?
You cannot guarantee the safety of a Windows Movie Maker download from unofficial sources. It is strongly recommended to avoid such downloads altogether.
8. Is there a way to update Windows Movie Maker on Windows 10?
No, Windows Movie Maker is no longer supported, so there are no updates available.
9. What if I already downloaded Windows Movie Maker from an unofficial source?
Immediately run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program. Consider uninstalling the program and restoring your system to a previous restore point if you suspect any issues.
10. Can I use Windows Movie Maker in a virtual machine?
Yes, you could install Windows Movie Maker on an older operating system within a virtual machine. However, this still involves using an unsupported version and may not be the most practical solution.
11. Is Windows Movie Maker a better choice than the free alternatives?
No, given the security risks and lack of support, the free alternatives offer a safer and often more feature-rich experience. Programs like DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot are excellent choices.
12. Why did Microsoft discontinue Windows Movie Maker?
Microsoft discontinued Windows Movie Maker to focus on newer technologies and more modern video editing solutions. They encourage users to use the built-in Photos app or explore other third-party alternatives.