Video editing · Alternatives

# Windows Movie Maker Is Gone: The Best Alternatives in 2026

Wisconsin Tech Shop · October 31, 2026 · 3 min read

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](https://wisconsintechshop.com/store/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](https://wisconsintechshop.com/store/movie-maker-hollywood-pro/2d-animation/), [3D scenes](https://wisconsintechshop.com/store/movie-maker-hollywood-pro/3d-cgi/) and [sound design](https://wisconsintechshop.com/store/movie-maker-hollywood-pro/sound-music/), 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.

## Try it yourself

Ready-made software from our [software store](https://wisconsintechshop.com/store/), installed on your PC or Mac.

[Movie Maker Hollywood ProA whole film studio on your PC: edit, animate, build 3D scenes and deliver.$20 · Windows (Mac soon) · Available now](https://wisconsintechshop.com/store/movie-maker-hollywood-pro/)

## Questions

### Can I still download Windows Movie Maker?

Not from Microsoft. It was discontinued in January 2017, and copies offered on other sites can carry malware. Use one of the alternatives instead.

### What replaced Windows Movie Maker?

Microsoft’s current free video editor is Clipchamp, included with Windows 11.

## Want it done for you?

- [Professional Video Editing Services](https://wisconsintechshop.com/creative-media/video-editing-services/): Send us your footage and get back a polished video: cut, color-corrected, mixed, captioned and branded, ready for your website, YouTube or social media. (From $250)
- [YouTube Video Editing & Channel Setup](https://wisconsintechshop.com/creative-media/youtube-video-editing/): Edited YouTube videos with the pacing, graphics and thumbnails that keep people watching, plus channel setup, chapters and descriptions written to be found. (From $300)

## More from the blog

- [DaVinci Resolve vs Premiere Pro in 2026: Price, Features and Which to Pick](https://wisconsintechshop.com/blog/davinci-resolve-vs-premiere-pro/): DaVinci Resolve vs Premiere Pro in 2026: what each costs over three years, how editing, color, effects and audio compare, and which one fits your work. (October 31, 2026)
- [How Much Does Premiere Pro Cost in 2026? Plans, Yearly Totals and Cheaper Options](https://wisconsintechshop.com/blog/premiere-pro-cost/): Premiere Pro costs $22.99 a month on an annual plan or $34.49 month to month in 2026. Yearly totals, what you get, and editors you can buy once instead. (October 31, 2026)
- [Video Editing Software Without a Subscription: Editors You Can Own in 2026](https://wisconsintechshop.com/blog/video-editing-software-no-subscription/): Tired of monthly fees? The best video editors you can own outright in 2026, free and paid, with prices, platforms and what each one is best at. (October 31, 2026)

## Questions about your own setup?

Tell us what you’re working on. We reply within one business day with honest advice.

- Big projects and small ones are all welcome
- Fixed-price quotes, no surprise invoices
- You own your code, data and accounts
- A client portal to track progress, invoices and payments
- Rooted in Wisconsin, serving businesses nationwide

Rather talk it through? [Call us](https://wisconsintechshop.com/contact/#call)

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Source: https://wisconsintechshop.com/blog/windows-movie-maker-alternatives/
Contact: hello@wisconsintechshop.com · https://wisconsintechshop.com/contact/