How to Use Windows Media Player to Crop Videos on Windows 11/10

Although Windows Media Player doesn’t provide the built-in video editor, you can still use WMP to crop videos for quick playing and sharing without downloading third-party software. In this way, you can change the aspect ratio easily, and crop unwanted parts, like watermarks or subtitles. Follow this guide to learn how to use Windows Media Player to crop or trim videos with plugins. This article will also provide you more professional solutions with detailed steps.

Part 1: Steps to Use Windows Media Player to Crop/Trim Videos

Since Windows Media Player is a video player that only support zooming in and out videos for different watching experience, you can’t use Windows Media Player to crop videos to different aspect ratio directly. However, you can install SolveigMM plugin to crop and trim videos to shorten the length. Follow the detailed steps below.

Step 1Download the Plug-in

Search for SolveigMM WMP Trimmer Plugin on Microsoft Store. Download and install it.

Step 2Activate the Plug-in

Simply open the Windows Media Player, then click Organize and choose Options. On the popped-up window, go to Plug-ins and click Windows to toggle the newly installed trimmer. Then, click Apply and OK.

Step 3Start Cropping/Trimming Videos on WMP

Open the desired video file on Windows Media Player and click Edit File. Start toggling the trimming handlebar, and navigate it to cut the video parts you want to miss. Then, click the Trim tab to save the cropped video from Windows Media Player.

Part 2: Professional Alternatives to Crop Windows Videos Easily

While there are still limitations to crop videos in Windows Media Player even with plugins, these three powerful alternatives offering better control over aspect ratio, trimming, and video editing:

Method 1: Best Way to Crop Videos through AVAide Video Converter

Looking a way to perfectly crop videos without Windows Media Player? AVAide Video Converter is your ultimate solution! This professional editing tool crops videos to different aspect ratios, including 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, etc. for different platforms. You can also adjust the size flexibly without losing the original video quality. Moreover, you can use it to convert videos since it supports more than 300 other inputs and outputs. For example, you can crop MP4 video effortlessly and do more editing.

Step 1Upload Windows Videos to Crop

Launch AVAide Video Converter and click Add Files to upload the video from Windows Media Player to resize. On the other hand, you may simply drag and drop the files at the center of the interface.

Step 2Crop Videos without WMP

Click Edit under the video to pop up a new window. In Rotate & Crop, choose your target Aspect Ratio from its list. Otherwise, freely crop the Windows video by dragging the borderlines, then click OK.

Step 3Trim The Video (Additional)

Click Cut, which is located beside the Edit, then freely navigate the handlebar to trim the video without Windows Media Player. Also, in this window, you can split or add new segments to your video.

Step 4Save the Cropped Videos on Windows

Finally, to apply all the changes in the video, click Convert All. This time, you can also choose a format for your output or merge multiple videos.

Method 2: Crop Windows Media Player Videos with VLC

Although VLC Media Player is also a video player, it supports cropping videos unlike WMP. This open-source software allows you to adjust aspect ratio flexibly according to your need. While lacking advanced editing features, VLC shines for quick social media preparations or simple framing corrections. However, you can’t preview the effect when cropping Windows Media Player videos before saving.

Step 1Launch VLC Media Player on Windows and click Media > Open File to upload the Windows Media Player videos you want to crop. Then, click Tools and select Effects and Filters.

Step 2Under Video Effects, you can input the pixels you want to remove from the original video. Then, click Save to crop videos on Windows.

Method 3: Online Way to Crop Videos on Windows via VEED.IO

VEED.IO offers a convenient way to crop Windows videos without installing software. Moreover, you can use it to resize, trim, and convert videos directly with intuitive controls. It’s particularly valuable for collaborative teams and social media creators since it provides optimized presets for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. But the free version will apply watermarks on your cropped Windows videos. And it's less suitable for large files or offline editing scenarios compared to desktop solutions.

Step 1Search for Crop Tool on VEED.IO and click Upload a File to add videos.

Step 2In the toolbar, click Crop and adjust the border line to select the desired area. You can also choose the preset aspect ratio and change output format. At last, click Export.

Part 3: FAQs about Cropping Videos in Windows Media Player

Can I crop a video using the HandBrake? How?

Yes. A HandBrake is a tool that you can use to crop a video besides converting it to other formats. Thus, click to learn how to use Handbrake to crop video on Windows.

How do I crop a video in Windows Media Player on my Mac?

The Mac version of the Windows Media Player has a more limited feature than on the Windows device. Since cropping a video won't be possible on Windows unless, with the help of a plug-in tool, it will be the same on your Mac.

Can I crop an entire movie using the AVAide Video Converter?

Yes! The AVAide Video Converter is so powerful that it can even edit, crop, trim, and enhance an entire movie.

By Bryan Simmonds on Aug 01, 2025