When it comes to sharing videos online, size matters. Fortunately, Windows 10 has made it easier to compress videos without sacrificing too much quality. Whether you’re looking to save space on your hard drive or upload a video with a large file size, this article will guide you through the steps to compress a video using Windows 10.
Steps
Step 1 – Open the video file in the Movies & TV app
The first step to compressing a video in Windows 10 is to open the video file in the Movies & TV app. This app comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and can handle most video file formats.
Step 2 – Select the project tab
Once the video is open in the app, click on the project tab located at the bottom of the screen. This will enable video editing tools.
Step 3 – Choose the trim tool
Click on the trim tool option to open the video trimming interface. This tool can also be used to compress videos.
Step 4 – Select the part of the video you want to keep
Use the blue sliders on the left and right to select the part of the video you want to keep. This will automatically remove the rest of the video, reducing its size.
Step 5 – Click on save as
Once you’ve trimmed the video to the desired length, click on save as to save the trimmed video as a new file.
Step 6 – Choose a video quality option
When saving the video, you will be given the option to choose the video quality. If you’re looking to compress the video, select a lower quality option.
Step 7 – Give the new video file a name
Enter a name for the newly edited and compressed video file.
Step 8 – Choose a file location
Select the folder on your computer where you want to save the newly compressed video file.
Step 9 – Click on save
Once you’ve selected the quality and file location, click on save to compress and save the video.
Step 10 – Wait for the compression process to finish
Depending on the size and quality of the original video file, the compression process may take a few minutes to complete. Wait for the process to finish before closing the app.
Step 11 – Preview the compressed video
After the compression process is complete, take a few minutes to preview the compressed video to ensure that the quality hasn’t been reduced too much.
Step 12 – Share the compressed video
Once you’ve confirmed that the compressed video looks good, you can upload and share the file without worrying about its large size.
Explanation
The key to compressing a video without sacrificing too much quality is to use the trim tool in the Movies & TV app. By trimming the video to the desired length, you can automatically remove unnecessary footage and reduce the file size. Additionally, choosing a lower quality option when saving the video will further compress the file. However, it’s important to note that compressing a video too much can result in a loss of quality and clarity, so be sure to preview the compressed file before sharing it.
Tips and Tricks
1. Record in a lower quality
One way to avoid having to compress videos is to record them in a lower quality to begin with. This will result in smaller file sizes and less need for compression.
2. Use cloud storage
If you’re sharing videos with friends or family, consider using cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to share the file. This eliminates the need for compression and ensures that everyone can access the file.
3. Use video editing software
While the Movies & TV app is a great option for basic video editing and compression, consider investing in more advanced video editing software for more complex projects.
4. Reduce the length of the video
In addition to using the trim tool to remove unnecessary footage, consider reducing the length of the video by creating shorter segments.
5. Use external hard drives
If you have a large collection of videos that you don’t want to delete or compress, consider using an external hard drive to store the files.
6. Check your video settings
Before filming your video, check the settings on your camera to ensure that you’re recording in the optimal quality for your needs.
7. Use optimized settings for your video format
When saving your compressed video, ensure that you’re using the optimized settings for the chosen video format.
8. Remove audio from the video
If the audio in your video isn’t necessary, consider removing it to reduce the file size.
9. Use video converters
If you’re using a video file format that isn’t compatible with Windows 10, consider using a video converter to convert the file to a compatible format before compressing it.
10. Experiment with different file formats and settings
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different file formats and settings to find the best compression options for your specific needs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Compressing Videos in Windows 10
Compressing videos in Windows 10 is an effective way to reduce file size, making it easier to share and upload your videos. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this process.
Advantages
1. Smaller file size: Compressed videos take up less space on your computer, making it more convenient to store and manage your files.
2. Faster upload and download times: With a smaller file size, compressed videos can be uploaded and downloaded faster than uncompressed videos.
3. Saves storage space: Compressing videos allows you to save storage space on your hard drive or cloud storage, so you can store more videos.
4. Compatible with more devices: Compressed video formats can be played on more devices, including smartphones and tablets.
5. Cost-effective: Compressing videos can help you save money on data usage and storage costs.
6. Easier to share: Compressed videos can be shared more easily via email, messaging apps, and social media platforms.
7. Better video streaming: Compressed videos can improve video streaming quality, as they require less bandwidth.
8. More accessible: Compressed videos can be streamed more quickly and by a larger number of people, making them more accessible.
9. Increased playback speed: Compressed videos can be played back at a faster speed, making it easier to watch longer videos in a shorter amount of time.
10. Reduced buffering: Compressing videos can help to reduce buffering times, making the viewing experience smoother.
Disadvantages
1. Loss of video quality: Compressing videos can lead to a loss of video quality, especially when compressed multiple times.
2. Limited editing options: Compressed videos may have limited editing options, making it difficult to make changes to the video in the future.
3. Processing time: Compressing videos can be a time-consuming process, especially for larger videos.
4. Reduced audio quality: Compressing videos can also impact the audio quality, resulting in reduced sound clarity.
5. Compatibility issues: Compressed videos may not be compatible with certain devices or software programs.
6. Risk of data loss: Compressing videos can increase the risk of data loss due to errors during the compression process.
7. Limited output options: Compressed videos may have limited output options, making it difficult to choose the best format for your needs.
8. Quality depends on compression settings: The quality of compressed videos depends on the compression settings used, and finding the right settings can be challenging.
9. Loss of detail: Compressed videos may lose some of the finer details, making it difficult to see certain aspects of the video.
10. Cost of compression software: Some compression software can come at a high cost, making it difficult for some people to access.
FAQ
1. What does it mean to compress a video?
Compressing a video means reducing its file size without sacrificing too much quality. This is useful when you need to save space on your device or when you need to upload a video to a website that has file size restrictions.
2. How can I compress a video on Windows 10?
You can use the built-in video editor on Windows 10 to compress a video. First, open the video editor and import your video. Then, click on the “Edit & Create” button and choose “Trim”. Use the sliders to select the part of the video you want to keep. Then, click on “Export” and choose the compression settings that suit your needs.
3. What are the best compression settings for my video?
The best compression settings depend on the quality of the original video and its intended use. Generally, you can reduce the resolution, bit rate and frame rate to reduce the file size. However, be careful not to reduce the quality too much as this can make the video look pixelated or blurry.
4. Can I compress a video while maintaining its original quality?
No, it’s not possible to compress a video and maintain its original quality. However, you can compress the video while minimizing the loss of quality. This requires finding the right balance between file size and video quality.
5. What video file formats can I compress using Windows 10?
You can compress most video file formats using Windows 10, including AVI, MP4, WMV, and MOV.
6. How long does it take to compress a video on Windows 10?
The time it takes to compress a video depends on the size of the video file and the compression settings you choose. Generally, it takes a few minutes to compress a video.
7. Can I compress multiple videos at once?
Yes, you can compress multiple videos at once using Windows 10’s built-in video editor. Simply import all the videos you want to compress and apply the compression settings to all of them at once.
8. Is it possible to compress a video without using Windows 10’s built-in video editor?
Yes, there are third-party video compression tools that you can use to compress a video on Windows 10. Some popular options include HandBrake, Any Video Converter, and Freemake Video Converter.
9. How much space can I save by compressing a video?
The amount of space you can save by compressing a video depends on the size of the original video and the compression settings you choose. Generally, you can expect to save anywhere from 25% to 75% of the original file size.
10. Can I compress a video without losing any sound?
Yes, you can compress a video and retain its sound quality. However, be sure to use compression settings that preserve the audio quality.
11. Can I compress a video on my mobile phone?
Yes, there are several apps available for both iOS and Android that allow you to compress a video on your mobile phone. Some popular options include Video Compressor, VidCompact, and Video Compress.
12. What are the disadvantages of compressing a video?
The main disadvantage of compressing a video is that it can reduce its quality. Additionally, some compression settings can result in the video looking choppy or pixelated. Finally, compressing a video can take some time and requires a certain level of technical expertise.
13. Can I undo a video compression?
No, once a video has been compressed, it’s not possible to undo the compression. Therefore, it’s important to backup your original video file before compressing it in case you need to access it again.
How to Compress a Video on Windows 10
Do you have a video that is too large to share? Or perhaps you want to upload a video online but it’s not within the required size limit? Whatever the reason, you need to compress your video. Luckily, Windows 10 makes it a breeze to compress videos. In this guide, we’ll show you how to compress a video on Windows 10.
Conclusion and Closing
Compressing videos can be a lifesaver, especially when it comes to sharing or uploading them. But with Windows 10, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily compress your videos without sacrificing too much quality.
Remember to experiment with different compression levels until you find the sweet spot between size and quality. And don’t forget to back up your original video just in case something goes wrong.
That’s it for our guide on how to compress a video on Windows 10. We hope you found it helpful and easy to follow. If you have any other tips or tricks for compressing videos, feel free to share them in the comments below. Until next time, happy compressing!