Windows Movie Maker, despite its simplicity and ease of use, is no longer actively supported by Microsoft. Consequently, you might want to uninstall it, perhaps to free up space or because you’ve upgraded to a more sophisticated video editing tool. The process, however, isn’t always straightforward and depends largely on how you originally installed the program. This guide provides comprehensive instructions and answers common questions about safely and effectively removing Windows Movie Maker from your system.
Understanding the Uninstall Process
The method for uninstalling Windows Movie Maker hinges on whether it was installed as part of the Windows Essentials suite or as a standalone program. Windows Essentials, which bundled Movie Maker with other applications like Windows Live Mail and Windows Photo Gallery, requires a specific removal process. If you directly downloaded and installed a standalone version (often from third-party sites, which is discouraged), you’ll use a different approach. It’s crucial to identify which scenario applies to you before proceeding.
Uninstalling Windows Essentials
If you installed Windows Movie Maker as part of the Windows Essentials suite, follow these steps:
Using the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel: Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel,” and select it from the search results.
- Navigate to Programs and Features: In the Control Panel, click “Programs,” then click “Programs and Features.” (If you’re in Category view, click “Uninstall a program” under “Programs.”)
- Locate Windows Essentials: Scroll through the list of installed programs and find “Windows Essentials” or “Windows Live Essentials.” The exact name might vary slightly depending on the version.
- Choose Uninstall/Change: Select “Windows Essentials” and click “Uninstall/Change” at the top of the list. This will open the Windows Essentials installer window.
- Select Remove Programs: In the installer window, choose the option “Remove one or more Windows Essentials programs.”
- Select Movie Maker: A list of installed Windows Essentials programs will appear. Check the box next to “Movie Maker” (or “Windows Movie Maker”). Ensure only Movie Maker is selected if you want to keep other applications within the suite.
- Start the Removal: Click “Uninstall.” The installer will then remove Movie Maker from your system. Wait for the process to complete, and then restart your computer.
Using the Command Line (Advanced)
This method is rarely needed but can be useful if the Control Panel method fails.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” right-click “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
- Execute the Uninstall Command: Type the following command and press Enter:
wmic product where name="Windows Live Essentials" call uninstall /interactive - Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installer window will appear. Follow steps 5-7 from the “Using the Control Panel” method to select and uninstall Movie Maker.
Uninstalling a Standalone Version of Movie Maker
If you installed Movie Maker from a source other than the official Windows Essentials suite (which is highly discouraged due to potential security risks), the process is similar to uninstalling any standard application.
Using the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel: (Same as step 1 in Uninstalling Windows Essentials).
- Navigate to Programs and Features: (Same as step 2 in Uninstalling Windows Essentials).
- Locate Movie Maker: Scroll through the list of installed programs and find “Movie Maker.” Be cautious; sometimes, these standalone versions use names that are slightly different, or even deceptive.
- Uninstall: Select “Movie Maker” and click “Uninstall” at the top of the list.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: A standard uninstaller window will appear. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
- Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer after the uninstallation is complete.
Using Third-Party Uninstallers (Use with Caution)
There are numerous third-party uninstaller programs available that claim to offer a more thorough uninstall process. These programs can scan your system for residual files and registry entries left behind by the standard uninstaller. However, use these with extreme caution. Some of these programs are bundled with unwanted software or may even be malicious. Only use reputable uninstallers from trusted sources. Popular options include Revo Uninstaller and IObit Uninstaller. Always create a system restore point before using any third-party uninstaller.
Removing Residual Files and Registry Entries
Even after uninstalling Windows Movie Maker, some residual files and registry entries might remain. While these files are typically small and don’t significantly impact performance, removing them ensures a completely clean uninstallation.
Deleting Residual Files
- Show Hidden Files and Folders: Open File Explorer, click “View,” and check the box next to “Hidden items.”
- Check Common Locations: Navigate to the following locations and delete any folders or files related to Movie Maker:
C:Program FilesMovie MakerC:Program Files (x86)Movie MakerC:Program FilesWindows LiveC:Program Files (x86)Windows LiveC:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuPrograms(Look for a Movie Maker shortcut)
Removing Registry Entries (Advanced – Use with Caution)
Warning: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Back up your registry before making any changes.
- Open Registry Editor: Press the Windows key, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
- Navigate to Relevant Keys: Search for registry entries related to “Movie Maker” or “Windows Live Movie Maker” in the following locations:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432Node(if you’re on a 64-bit system)
- Delete Registry Entries: Right-click on any Movie Maker-related keys and select “Delete.” Double-check that you are deleting the correct entries before confirming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why can’t I find Windows Movie Maker in my Control Panel’s program list?
This usually means you either never installed it as a standalone program or it was installed as part of the Windows Essentials suite. Check for “Windows Essentials” or “Windows Live Essentials” instead. If neither is present, it’s possible Movie Maker was never installed, or it was installed from an unreliable source that didn’t register the program properly with Windows.
Q2: I tried uninstalling Windows Essentials, but it keeps giving me an error message. What should I do?
Try running the Windows Essentials installer as an administrator (right-click the installer file and select “Run as administrator”). Ensure your system is fully up-to-date with the latest Windows updates. You can also try using the Microsoft Fix-it tool (if still available) specifically designed to repair or uninstall Windows Essentials. If none of these work, consider a system restore to a point before you installed Windows Essentials.
Q3: Is it safe to download Windows Movie Maker from third-party websites?
No, it is strongly discouraged. Downloading Movie Maker from unofficial sources poses a significant security risk. These versions are often bundled with malware, viruses, or other unwanted software. Always use official sources (if they were still available) or consider alternative video editing software.
Q4: What are some good alternatives to Windows Movie Maker?
Many excellent free and paid video editing programs are available. Some popular free alternatives include DaVinci Resolve (more advanced), OpenShot, and Shotcut. Paid options include Adobe Premiere Elements and Filmora.
Q5: Will uninstalling Windows Movie Maker delete my video projects?
No, uninstalling Windows Movie Maker will not delete your video projects. However, it will remove the program you need to open and edit those projects. Make sure you have backups of your project files (.wlmp) and any source video files if you plan to use them in another video editor.
Q6: How do I back up my Movie Maker project files?
Your Movie Maker project files are stored as “.wlmp” files. These files contain information about the project, such as the order of clips, transitions, and effects. Simply copy these files to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage.
Q7: Can I reinstall Windows Movie Maker after uninstalling it?
Technically, yes, you could reinstall it by finding a copy of the Windows Essentials installer (if you originally installed it that way). However, it is not recommended as Windows Essentials is no longer supported, and installing it from unofficial sources is risky. Consider upgrading to a supported video editor.
Q8: I uninstalled Movie Maker, but its icon is still on my desktop. How do I remove it?
This is likely a shortcut icon. Right-click on the icon and select “Delete.” If that doesn’t work, try refreshing your desktop by pressing F5.
Q9: Does uninstalling Windows Movie Maker improve my computer’s performance?
In most cases, the performance improvement will be negligible. Windows Movie Maker is a relatively lightweight program. Uninstalling it primarily frees up disk space. However, if you’re extremely low on storage space, even a small amount freed up can make a difference.
Q10: I keep getting pop-up ads for Windows Movie Maker after uninstalling it. Why?
This suggests that some adware or malware may have been installed on your system. Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program. Also, check your web browser for suspicious extensions or add-ons and remove them.
Q11: Will the registry cleaner programs that come with antivirus software remove Movie Maker’s registry entries?
Most reputable antivirus programs with registry cleaner tools will detect and remove orphaned registry entries, including those left behind by uninstalled programs like Movie Maker. However, it’s always best to manually review the registry entries before deleting them, even with an automated tool, to avoid accidentally removing critical system components.
Q12: Is there an official Microsoft uninstaller for Windows Movie Maker?
No, Microsoft does not provide a dedicated uninstaller specifically for Windows Movie Maker. The uninstall process relies on the standard methods provided by the Windows operating system, as outlined in this article. The key is determining whether it was installed as part of the Windows Essentials suite or as a standalone program.