While officially discontinued by Microsoft, Windows Movie Maker remains a sought-after video editing tool, particularly for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. This guide provides a safe and reliable method for installing and using this classic software on your Windows 10 machine.
Understanding the Windows Movie Maker Situation
Windows Movie Maker, formerly a component of the Windows Essentials suite, is no longer directly available for download from Microsoft’s official website. Attempting to search for it there will only yield suggestions for their current video editing tool, Clipchamp. This cessation of support has unfortunately led to a proliferation of malware-infected versions masquerading as the real deal. Downloading from untrusted sources poses a significant risk to your system’s security.
So, can you still get Windows Movie Maker on Windows 10? Yes, you can, but it requires exercising caution and following a carefully vetted process. We’ll guide you through a safe method to acquire a clean and functional version.
Finding a Safe Download Source
The key to safely installing Windows Movie Maker lies in identifying a reputable third-party website that archives older software. The Internet Archive’s archive.org is a highly reliable resource.
Downloading from Archive.org
- Access Archive.org: Open your web browser and navigate to www.archive.org.
- Search for Windows Essentials 2012: Use the search bar on the homepage to search for “Windows Essentials 2012.” This is the suite that included Windows Movie Maker.
- Locate a Verified Download: Carefully examine the search results. Look for entries that specifically mention Windows Essentials 2012 and have been archived multiple times. Ideally, find an entry with a large number of downloads and positive reviews from other users.
- Download the Installer: Once you’ve found a trustworthy archive entry, navigate to the “Download Options” section (often located on the left side of the page). Look for a file named “wlsetup-all.exe” or something similar. Ensure the file size matches the expected size for the Windows Essentials 2012 installer (approximately 130-140 MB). Discrepancies in file size can be a warning sign of a corrupted or malicious file.
- Scan the Downloaded File: Before proceeding, scan the downloaded “wlsetup-all.exe” file with your antivirus software. This is crucial to ensure the file is free of malware.
Installing Windows Movie Maker
Now that you have a potentially safe installer, the next step is the installation process.
Running the Installer
- Run as Administrator: Right-click on the “wlsetup-all.exe” file and select “Run as administrator.” This ensures that the installer has the necessary permissions to install the software.
- Choose What to Install: The Windows Essentials 2012 installer will appear. Choose the option “Choose the programs you want to install.”
- Select Windows Movie Maker: In the list of programs, uncheck all options except “Photo Gallery and Movie Maker.” This minimizes the installation of unnecessary components and reduces the risk of conflicts.
- Start the Installation: Click “Install.” The installer will download and install the selected programs.
- Wait for Completion: Allow the installation process to complete. This may take several minutes depending on your internet connection and computer speed.
Launching Windows Movie Maker
After the installation is complete, you should be able to find Windows Movie Maker in your Start menu under the “Windows Essentials” folder. Simply click on the icon to launch the program.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a careful installation, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to address some common problems.
Compatibility Issues
Sometimes, Windows Movie Maker might exhibit compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows 10. If you experience crashes or errors, try running the program in compatibility mode.
- Locate the Program File: Right-click on the Windows Movie Maker shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu and select “Properties.”
- Open Compatibility Tab: In the Properties window, navigate to the “Compatibility” tab.
- Enable Compatibility Mode: Check the box labeled “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select “Windows 7” or “Windows XP” from the dropdown menu.
- Apply and Run: Click “Apply” and then “OK.” Try launching Windows Movie Maker again.
Missing Codecs
Windows Movie Maker may require specific codecs to properly handle certain video and audio file formats. If you encounter errors when importing or playing media, you might need to install the necessary codecs.
- Identify the Missing Codec: The error message usually indicates the missing codec.
- Install a Codec Pack: Consider installing a reputable codec pack, such as K-Lite Codec Pack. These packs contain a wide range of codecs and can resolve most compatibility issues. Be cautious when downloading codec packs from unverified sources, as they can contain malware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about installing and using Windows Movie Maker on Windows 10:
1. Is Windows Movie Maker free?
Yes, the original Windows Movie Maker was a free application that came bundled with the Windows Essentials suite. Even now, the version you install through archived sources should be free of charge. However, be wary of websites claiming to offer a “premium” or “paid” version, as these are likely scams or malware.
2. Why did Microsoft discontinue Windows Movie Maker?
Microsoft discontinued Windows Movie Maker as part of their strategy to move towards more modern and feature-rich video editing solutions. They now recommend using Clipchamp.
3. Is it safe to download Windows Movie Maker from third-party websites?
Downloading from third-party websites carries risks. Only download from trusted sources like Archive.org. Always scan the downloaded file with your antivirus software before running it.
4. What is Windows Essentials 2012?
Windows Essentials 2012 was a suite of free applications from Microsoft that included Windows Movie Maker, Photo Gallery, Windows Live Mail, and other tools.
5. How do I uninstall Windows Movie Maker if I have problems?
Go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features. Find “Windows Essentials 2012” in the list and click “Uninstall/Change.” This will allow you to remove the entire suite or select specific components like Photo Gallery and Movie Maker for uninstallation.
6. Will Windows Movie Maker work on all Windows 10 versions?
While generally compatible, older versions of Windows Movie Maker might exhibit issues on the latest versions of Windows 10. Compatibility mode can often resolve these problems.
7. What file formats are supported by Windows Movie Maker?
Windows Movie Maker supports a variety of common video and audio formats, including .WMV, .AVI, .MPEG, .MPG, .MOV, .MP3, and .WAV. However, support for some newer formats may be limited.
8. Can I use Windows Movie Maker for professional video editing?
While Windows Movie Maker is a capable tool for basic video editing tasks, it lacks the advanced features and capabilities required for professional-level video production. Consider professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for more demanding projects.
9. Does Windows Movie Maker have any limitations?
Yes, Windows Movie Maker has limitations in terms of features, effects, and format support compared to professional video editing software. However, its simplicity makes it a good choice for beginners and simple projects.
10. What are some alternatives to Windows Movie Maker?
There are several free and paid alternatives to Windows Movie Maker, including Clipchamp (Microsoft’s recommended option), OpenShot, DaVinci Resolve (free and paid versions), and HitFilm Express.
11. I am getting an error message saying a DLL file is missing. What should I do?
If you encounter an error message indicating a missing DLL file, try reinstalling Windows Essentials 2012. Ensure you have administrator privileges during the installation. If the issue persists, search online for the specific missing DLL file and follow instructions to download and place it in the correct system directory. Exercise extreme caution when downloading DLL files from untrusted sources.
12. Can I update Windows Movie Maker after installing it?
No, since Microsoft no longer supports Windows Essentials 2012, there are no official updates available. The version you install from Archive.org is the final version released by Microsoft.
By following these steps and exercising caution, you can successfully install and use Windows Movie Maker on your Windows 10 computer. Remember to prioritize safety and download from trusted sources to avoid malware and ensure a smooth experience. Enjoy creating your videos!