How to Download and Install Windows Movie Maker (Step-by-Step Guide)
Windows Movie Maker, despite its age, remains a popular and easy-to-use video editing software for beginners. Its simplicity and intuitive interface make it a great starting point for anyone looking to create basic videos, slideshows, and home movies. However, Microsoft officially discontinued Windows Movie Maker years ago, leading to confusion about where to find a safe and legitimate copy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of downloading and installing Windows Movie Maker safely and legally, along with troubleshooting tips and alternative options.
## Is Windows Movie Maker Still Available?
The short answer is: officially, no. Microsoft no longer offers Windows Movie Maker for download from their website. The version that came bundled with Windows XP and Windows Vista is outdated and incompatible with newer operating systems. While older versions might be floating around, installing them can be risky due to potential malware or viruses.
However, there are still ways to access a functional version of Windows Movie Maker, primarily through downloading the Windows Essentials suite, which included Movie Maker. Keep in mind that even this suite is no longer supported by Microsoft, so caution is advised.
## Finding a Safe Download Source
Before we proceed, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of downloading from a reputable source. Many websites offer “free” downloads of Windows Movie Maker, but these can be laced with malware, adware, or other unwanted software. Always exercise extreme caution and scan any downloaded files with a reliable antivirus program.
**Recommended Approach: Windows Essentials Archive**
The safest approach is to find an archive of the Windows Essentials suite. Several reputable websites maintain archives of older software versions. A thorough search using terms like “Windows Essentials 2012 download archive” should point you to a trusted source. Some examples of generally trusted sources are:
* **Archive.org (The Internet Archive):** This is a non-profit digital library offering access to archived websites, software, music, and more. You might find archived versions of Windows Essentials here.
* **MajorGeeks.com:** MajorGeeks is a long-standing website known for providing clean and safe downloads of various software. They often have archived versions of older programs.
* **Softpedia.com:** Softpedia is another reputable software download website that often hosts older software versions.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Check the File Size:** Before downloading, verify the file size. A significantly smaller file size than expected could indicate a corrupted or incomplete download.
* **Scan with Antivirus:** After downloading, immediately scan the file with your antivirus software before running it. This is a crucial step in preventing malware infections.
* **Read Reviews:** If downloading from a less familiar website, look for user reviews or comments to gauge the safety and reliability of the download.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading and Installing Windows Movie Maker
This guide assumes you’ve located a safe and trustworthy download source for the Windows Essentials suite. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the specific archive you find, but the general process is as follows:
**Step 1: Download the Windows Essentials Installer**
1. **Navigate to the Download Page:** Go to the website you’ve identified as a reputable source for Windows Essentials.
2. **Locate the Download Link:** Find the download link for the Windows Essentials 2012 suite (or the version containing Movie Maker).
3. **Download the Installer:** Click the download link and save the installer file (usually named `wlsetup-all.exe` or similar) to a location on your computer, such as your Downloads folder.
**Step 2: Run the Installer**
1. **Locate the Installer File:** Navigate to the folder where you saved the installer file.
2. **Run as Administrator:** Right-click on the installer file (`wlsetup-all.exe`) and select “Run as administrator.” This ensures the installer has the necessary permissions to install the software.
3. **Allow Changes:** If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes” to allow the installer to make changes to your computer.
**Step 3: Choose Programs to Install**
1. **Choose Installation Type:** The installer will present you with two options:
* **Install all of Windows Essentials:** This option installs all the programs included in the suite, such as Messenger, Mail, Photo Gallery, OneDrive, and Movie Maker.
* **Choose the programs you want to install:** This option allows you to select specific programs from the suite. This is the recommended option if you only want Movie Maker.
2. **Select Movie Maker:** If you chose the second option, uncheck all the boxes except for “Movie Maker.” This will minimize the amount of unnecessary software installed on your computer.
3. **Click Install:** Click the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
**Step 4: Wait for Installation to Complete**
1. **Installation Progress:** The installer will display a progress bar as it installs Movie Maker. This process may take a few minutes, depending on your computer’s speed.
2. **Completion Message:** Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a message indicating that Windows Movie Maker has been successfully installed.
3. **Click Close:** Click the “Close” button to exit the installer.
**Step 5: Launch Windows Movie Maker**
1. **Locate Movie Maker:** You can find Movie Maker in your Start Menu or by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
2. **Launch the Program:** Click on the Movie Maker icon to launch the program.
## Troubleshooting Installation Issues
If you encounter any problems during the installation process, here are some common issues and their solutions:
* **Installation Fails:**
* **Check Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as the installer may need to download additional files.
* **Disable Antivirus:** Temporarily disable your antivirus software, as it may be interfering with the installation process. Remember to re-enable it after installation.
* **Run as Administrator:** Make sure you’re running the installer as an administrator.
* **Compatibility Issues:** If you’re using a very old operating system, there might be compatibility issues. Consider upgrading your operating system or using a virtual machine with a compatible OS.
* **Missing DLL Files:**
* **Reinstall Windows Essentials:** Try reinstalling Windows Essentials, ensuring that all components are selected.
* **Download Missing DLLs:** Search online for the specific DLL file that’s missing and download it from a reputable source. Place the DLL file in the `C:\Windows\System32` folder (for 32-bit systems) or `C:\Windows\SysWOW64` folder (for 64-bit systems).
* **Program Won’t Launch:**
* **Update Graphics Drivers:** Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause issues with Movie Maker. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
* **Reinstall Movie Maker:** Try reinstalling Movie Maker to ensure all files are properly installed.
* **Check Compatibility Mode:** Right-click on the Movie Maker shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Compatibility” tab, and try running the program in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows.
## Understanding the Risks
Downloading and installing software from unofficial sources always carries risks. Here are some potential risks associated with downloading Windows Movie Maker:
* **Malware and Viruses:** Unofficial download sources may contain malware, viruses, or other malicious software that can harm your computer.
* **Adware and Spyware:** Some downloads may include adware or spyware that tracks your online activity or displays unwanted advertisements.
* **Outdated Software:** The version of Windows Movie Maker you download may be outdated and contain security vulnerabilities.
* **Lack of Support:** Since Windows Movie Maker is no longer officially supported, you won’t receive updates or bug fixes.
To mitigate these risks, always download from reputable sources, scan downloaded files with antivirus software, and keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date.
## Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the risks associated with downloading Windows Movie Maker from unofficial sources, or if you’re looking for more advanced features, there are several excellent video editing alternatives available. Here are a few popular options:
* **OpenShot:** OpenShot is a free and open-source video editor that’s easy to use and offers a wide range of features. It’s a great alternative to Windows Movie Maker for beginners.
* **DaVinci Resolve (Free Version):** DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editor that’s used by filmmakers and video editors around the world. A free version is available, which offers many powerful features.
* **HitFilm Express:** HitFilm Express is another free video editor that’s designed for both beginners and experienced users. It offers a wide range of features, including visual effects and motion graphics.
* **VSDC Free Video Editor:** VSDC is a non-linear video editing software that provides a variety of tools to edit video and audio files. While the interface might seem intimidating at first, it offers advanced features for free.
* **Shotcut:** Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor. It supports a wide array of formats and boasts a user-friendly interface.
* **Microsoft Photos App:** Windows 10 and 11 include a Photos app that offers basic video editing capabilities, such as trimming, adding music, and creating slideshows. It’s a simple and convenient option for basic video editing tasks.
Each of these alternatives offers unique features and benefits. Consider your specific needs and skill level when choosing a video editor.
## Conclusion
While Windows Movie Maker is no longer officially supported, it’s still possible to download and install it from unofficial sources. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and download from reputable websites to avoid malware and other security risks. If you’re concerned about the risks, consider using one of the many excellent video editing alternatives available, such as OpenShot, DaVinci Resolve (Free Version), or HitFilm Express.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely download and install Windows Movie Maker or explore alternative video editing options to create your own movies and videos.