Video editing · Alternatives
Windows Movie Maker Is Gone: The Best Alternatives in 2026
Windows Movie Maker was simple, free and on almost every PC, until Microsoft discontinued it in January 2017. Here’s what to use instead in 2026.
The quick pick
| If you want… | Use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Something already on your PC | Clipchamp (Windows 11) | Free, with a paid plan |
| Simple, free and offline | Shotcut or OpenShot | Free |
| The most power for free | DaVinci Resolve | Free |
| Editing plus animation and 3D | Movie Maker Hollywood Pro | $20 once |
Clipchamp: Microsoft’s replacement
Microsoft bought Clipchamp in 2021 and ships it with Windows 11. It’s easy, with templates and stock media, and has a free version plus a paid plan. It works best with an internet connection.
Shotcut and OpenShot: closest to the old Movie Maker
Both are free, open source and run offline on Windows, Mac and Linux. OpenShot is the simplest; Shotcut has more tools once you’re comfortable.
DaVinci Resolve: when you outgrow simple
Free and professional, with color, effects and audio built in. It has a learning curve and wants a good graphics card.
Movie Maker Hollywood Pro: for making whole films
Our own app, and more than a simple editor: a timeline plus 2D animation, 3D scenes and sound design, offline, for $20 once. Simple edits stay simple, and the deeper tools are there when you want them. It isn’t affiliated with Microsoft or Windows Movie Maker.
If you still have old Windows Movie Maker projects (.wlmp files), the newer editors can’t open them. Re-import the original photos, videos and music into the new editor instead.