Get started with Windows Movie Maker

Ready to start making movies with your computer? Find out the basics of what you need to have and know.

The basics

Videos: See what you can do with Windows Movie MakerVideos: See what you can do with Windows Movie Maker

Watch how others created, edited, and shared their home movies—and learn how you can do it yourself.

What you need to make movies with Windows XP and Movie MakerWhat you need to make movies with Windows XP and Movie Maker

Before you get started, you need the right equipment. See what you need to create your movie masterpieces.

Connect your camera to your computerConnect your camera to your computer

The first step to creating a movie is connecting your camera to your computer. Here's how to do it.

Download movies from your camera to your computerDownload movies from your camera to your computer

Now that your camera's connected to your PC, find out how to download your movies so you can start transforming them.

Next stop: Hollywood!Next stop: Hollywood!

Once you've downloaded your video, see Create great movies to learn how to turn your video into a masterpiece.


Make your first movie

Video: See how to make your first movieVideo: See how to make your first movie

Watch the video, and then follow the steps to do it yourself. There are even handy instructions that you can print.

Let Windows Movie Maker create a movie for youLet Windows Movie Maker create a movie for you

Don't have time to edit every scene? AutoMovie in Movie Maker will analyze your video and automatically make a movie for you.

Create and trim video clipsCreate and trim video clips

Change the clips that are automatically created when you import video to your computer.

Work with your collectionsWork with your collections

You've shot hours of footage and maybe even edited a few movies. Now learn how to organize your collections and clips.