Best Video Editing Software for Windows 11 PCs

Dvanp002

Have you recently upgraded to Windows 11? It’s always exciting to level up and explore the latest version of your favorite OS, but it can come with worries. For example, if you’re an avid video editor, you may be wondering which video editing software will be compatible with Windows 11.  

The good news is, you have plenty of choices!  

Here are the best video editing software you can use with Windows 11 on your PC: 

1) CyberLink PowerDirector 

No matter your budget, CyberLink PowerDirector is a great way to score professional-level video editing capabilities for Windows 11.  

While the free version, PowerDirector Essential, lacks some of the more advanced features, it remains one of the most high-quality video editing apps for enthusiasts and professionals alike. In fact, this video editing software is almost as feature-rich as the famous Adobe Premiere Pro, which is often considered the gold standard in video editing. Better yet, CyberLink PowerDirector is a much more affordable option than its Adobe counterpart.  

Available via a monthly subscription, an annual subscription, or a lifetime license, this video editing software is a chance for both pros and casual editors to get their hands on sophisticated features. Whether you’re looking to edit videos professionally or just prepare a simple slideshow of images, CyberLink PowerDirector can get it done. 

Top features of CyberLink PowerDirector: 

• AI-based video enhancements 
• Object detection 
• 360-degree video creation 
• 3D LUTs for color grading 
• Motion title card market 
• Library of stock footage and music tracks 
• Ready-made templates 

2) Lightworks 

Lightworks is one of the most common apps for video editing. In fact, it’s no secret that Hollywood professionals even used Lightworks for video editing for famous films, including Pulp Fiction, Braveheart, and The Wolf of Wall Street.  

Like CyberLink PowerDirector, there is a free version of Lightworks, while the Pro version will cost you $9.99 per month. But many consider the extra cost well worth it. Lightworks is ripe with unique editing features, such as its built-in media QC system. With this system, Lightworks automatically checks and adjusts clips to meet international standards—a huge score for editors who want to work on content for commercial distribution. 

It’s worth noting that, because Lightworks is one of the most sophisticated and best video editors, it can be a little complex. To get started with this software, it’s recommended to have at least a basic understanding of how video tools work.  

Top features of Lightworks: 

• Templates for social media posts 
• Tools for audio manipulation 
• Instruments for motion graphics creation 
• Fine editing  
• Support for multiple cameras 
• 800+ filters and templates 
• Cloud storage access 

3) Clipchamp 

Don’t forget that the best video editing can still be done on your PC with just a simple Internet connection. Clipchamp is one web-based video editor that still gets the work done without needing to download and install specific software.  

Recently acquired by Microsoft, Clipchamp gives users the power to edit professional-level, industry-standard media clips.  

The beauty lies in its simplicity. Even if you have no previous experience working with video editing, Clipchamp’s intuitive menu and options make it easy for beginners to get started. And with ready-made templates and a host of impressive-looking effects, Clipchamp is one of the best options for newbies and everyday editors. You can sign up with a monthly or yearly subscription or get started with the basics with Clipchamp’s free version. 

Note, however, that Clipchamp does not currently work with Firefox; you’ll need either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to use it. 

Top features of Clipchamp: 

• Color correction 
• Multi-layer editing 
• Library of music tracks 
• Integration with cloud storage 

4) VSDC Free Video Editor 

When it comes to finding the best video editing software for Windows 11, there is no shortage of free video editors—and they can still get the job done. 

With VSDC Free Video Editor, you can edit and produce videos that stun, whether you’re working on a personal project at home or a professional task for the office. And when stacked up against other free video editing software, VSDC Free Video Editor stands out from the crowd by being surprisingly robust for free software. For example, VSDC Free Video Editor allows for 4k quality export—something that most free editors lack. 

Of course, it’s worth pointing out that VSDC Free Video Editor doesn’t have other advanced features that paid software usually offer, such as motion tracking and a stabilizer. 

Top features of VSDC Free Video Editor: 

• Chroma key 
• 360-degree video creation 
• Color correction 
• A variety of filters 
• Support for multiple screens 
• Compatibility with GoPro 
• Video greeting card template 
• Social media export 

5) Windows 11 Video Editor 

The market is ripe with choices for video editing on a PC. If you’re overwhelmed with choices and don’t know where to start, consider starting with Microsoft’s own Windows 11 Video Editor.  

Included free with Windows 11, the eponymous video editor is a simple and easy-to-use tool that allows for basic video editing. With this tool, users can cut and stitch footage, enhance video quality, and add captions and stickers to their content.  

While it lacks pretty much any standard advanced editing features (like color grading or video background swapping), Windows 11 Video Editor is a great starting place for editing newbies who are just getting their feet wet with video production.  

Top features of Windows 11 Video Editor: 

• Slo mo 
• Text and doodle tools 
• Simplistic wizard mode 
• Bugless performance 

6) Adobe Premiere Pro 

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a round-up of the best video editing software without including Adobe Premiere Pro.  

Heralded as one of the most trusted and recommended video editing software on the market, Adobe Premiere Pro is a fan favorite among veteran video editors. With Adobe Premiere Pro, you can edit and produce commercial-level videos and movies with cinema-level quality. On top of its own robust capabilities, Adobe Premiere Pro supports a host of external plug-ins to further expand your possibilities for video editing. And of course, the editor is compatible with almost all Adobe products, which makes daily workflows easy and comfortable. 

With all of these impressive features, however, comes a price. Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most expensive video editing apps. Because it’s so sophisticated, it also comes with a steep learning curve, so it’s not necessarily the best option for newbies. 

Top features of Adobe Premiere Pro: 

• VFX 
• Motion tracking 
• Chroma key 
• Motion graphic templates 
• VR video and audio editing 
• Library of effects and transitions 

When you upgrade to Windows 11, there are plenty of ways to get the most out of your clips. From free versions to paid, for beginners or editing pros, you’re sure to find video editing software you love for Windows 11. 

About Dan VanPatten: Dan is a full-time technology writer with interests in gaming, gadgetry, and all things PC tech related. He writes about a variety of topics including technology news, product reviews, and software. His experience stems from years of experience writing & producing content for technology newsletters & publications.