iMovie for Windows and iMovie Alternatives

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How to get iMovie for Windows

Edited by Michael Miller
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iMovie is a free video-editing program for Apple users. It enables users to create great-looking movies from videos shot on Apple devices, complete with fancy transitions and special effects. The iMovie video editor is included with all iPads and iPhones and the iMovie download is free for all Mac computers.

The question is, how to get iMovie on Windows? Unfortunately, there is no iMovie for Windows computers. What are your choices, then, if you want an easy-to-use video-editing program like iMovie but you have a computer that's running Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11? There are several programs similar to iMovie for PC users.

When choosing an iMovie alternative for Dell, Lenovo, and similar PCs, consider your own personal needs. Can you get an iMovie free download for Windows? Is the program easy to install on your desktop? Is the program easy to use? To help you make your choice, we've identified the best iMovie alternatives for Windows and provided details of each app.

  1. Movavi Video Editor: creative filters, pro-level transitions (with sound), fun special effects, and an audio-editing tool

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  2. VSDC Video Editor: a wide variety of popular visual effects, including video filters, color correction, and object transformation

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  3. OpenShot: a cross-platform open-source alternative to iMovie for Windows users

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  1. Movavi Video Editor – best for quick grading
  2. VSDC Video Editor – best for making both screencasts and traditional video tutorials
  3. OpenShot – best for producing videos and animation on a desktop or laptop for free
  4. DaVinci Resolve – best for professional editing and color grading
  5. Cyberlink PowerDirector – best for users with all levels of experience, as there are enough features here to suit all needs.
  6. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate – best for professional filmmakers that need advanced tools and pro-level effects
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Movavi Video Editor: An alternative to iMovie for Windows

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While there is no Windows version of iMovie, Movavi Video Editor is the perfect Windows equivalent of iMovie. It does everything iMovie does and a lot more. It's a terrific program for beginners with an intuitive easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. You don't need any previous experience to use Movavi Video Editor to easily edit and create great-looking videos.

Movavi Video Editor is more than just an alternative to iMovie for Windows since it has a variety of more advanced features for professional users. You can choose from a number of creative filters, pro-level transitions (with sound), fun special effects, and an audio-editing tool [1]. You can even use the Chroma Key feature to replace the background in any video clip with something more interesting.

Movavi Video Editor runs on both the Windows and macOS platforms. To see this video editor in action, you can download a free trial.

One feature vloggers and YouTubers should appreciate is Intro mode. It lets you create preset sequences to use at the start of all your videos for channel consistency.

Michael Muchmore, a review on PCMag

As a YouTuber myself, I use most of the titles and transitions in my own videos, and they've worked great!

Shafin Tech

Pros:

  • Timeline-based video editing

  • Includes a large collection of titles, backgrounds, filters, and transitions

  • Motion tracking and picture-in-picture capabilities

  • Animate objects with keyframes

Cons:

  • In the trial version, you can only save videos with watermarks

  • No advanced trim mode

VSDC Video Editor: A free alternative to iMovie for PC

Best free video editor

Another good alternative to iMovie for PCs is VSDC Video Editor. This iMovie for PC freeware offers a modern interface and non-linear editing, so you can place video clips in random locations on the timeline. The program includes a wide variety of popular visual effects, including video filters, color correction, and object transformation. It even includes echo, reverb, volume correction, and other audio effects.

VSDC Video Editor can be a great alternative to iMovie for Windows as it is completely free, although there is a paid Pro version available with additional features [2].

Take a look at PCMag’s review of the program

Go to the review

You can download the program by following the link below

Go to the VSDC download page

Pros:

  • Non-linear video editing

  • 4K video support

  • Text animation

  • Chroma key functionality

Cons:

  • Nonstandard layout and workflow

  • No full-screen video preview

  • Steep learning curve

One interesting advantage of using iMovie alternatives on Windows is the ability to work with a wider range of file formats. Some Windows-based editors support formats like MKV or AVI that iMovie doesn't natively handle, making them more versatile for those working with different types of video files.

Joey Edits

OpenShot: An open-source iMovie alternative for Windows

Best open-source video editor

Since there is no PC version of iMovie, you need to look at other options. OpenShot is a cross-platform open-source alternative to iMovie for Windows users. It's slightly more limited in features and functionality than other programs discussed here but it is a free alternative to iMovie for Windows.

This program features a drag-and-drop interface that's easy for beginners to learn [3]. It includes a variety of animation effects, 3D titles, and watermarking. The video editor enables you to adjust the picture's color, contrast, and brightness.

OpenShot is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. It's completely free to use.

Take a look at user reviews of the program on Capterra

Go to the reviews

You can download the program by following the link below

Go to the OpenShot download page

I’ve tried lots of paid and also free video editors, and OpenShot sits right near the top of video editors.

Kevin Stratvert, a review on YouTube

Pros:

  • Basic video editing

  • Cross-platform support

  • Ready-to-use video templates

  • Customizable interface

Cons:

  • Nonstandard operation

  • The steep learning curve for advanced features

VSDC Video Editor

Capterra rating:

4.5/5
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G2 rating:

4.8/5
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CyberLink PowerDirector

G2 rating:

4.4/5
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DaVinci Resolve

Best for professionals

Because you can't download iMovie for Windows, you can choose even more powerful options. DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video-editing program that goes well beyond the functionality offered by iMovie, which makes it popular with more experienced and demanding users. It combines video editing, color correction, motion graphics, and audio post-production into a single interface.

This iMovie for Windows alternative includes a large number of broadcast-quality special effects and transitions as well as 2D and 3D animated titles and text [4]. A quick export tool enables easy uploads to YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, and other social media.

If you look for something more powerful than just iMovie for Windows, DaVinci Resolve can be your option. However, because of its advanced features, Resolve is not the best choice for beginning users. It's a full-featured video editing program with a relatively steep learning curve that lets you create truly professional video results.

DaVinci Resolve is free and runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. DaVinci Resolve Studio, with even more pro-level features, is available for $295.

Take a look at PCMag’s review of the program

Go to the review

You can download the program by following the link below

Go to the DaVinci Resolve download page

This is a truly powerful free video editing software, at an absolutely unbeatable price. It’s not for everyone though, and newcomers might feel overwhelmed, but you have nothing to lose by trying it out.

Steve Paris, a review on Techradar

Pros:

  • Powerful video and audio editing

  • Broadcast-quality effects and output

  • 2D and 3D animated titles and text

  • CCES graphics, and audio editor

Cons:

  • Might be too much for casual users

  • Steep learning curve


CyberLink PowerDirector

Best functionality for beginners

Like DaVinci Resolve, CyberLink PowerDirector is a high-end video editing program with lots of advanced features. This program is also a decent alternative to iMovie for Windows since it includes a large number of plug-in video effects, customizable design tools, and more, as well as access to a large stock library of photos, videos, and background music.

The basic version of the program, CyberLink PowerDirector 365 Essential, is available for free. CyberLink PowerDirector 365 offers more powerful video editing and a greater variety of tools and special effects and is available for a $69.99/year subscription. Both versions are available for both Windows and macOS platforms.

Take a look at PCMag’s review of the program

Go to the review

You can download the program by following the link below

Go to the CyberLink PowerDirector download page

Pros:

  • Exclusive pro-level features

  • Access to the stock photo, video, and music libraries

  • Advanced audio and video editing

  • Green screen effect for changing backgrounds

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve

  • Might be too much for casual users

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate: Try it if you need a Windows version of iMovie

Best near-pro-level video-editing app

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is another high-end video-editing program that functions as an alternative to iMovie for Windows 10 and other versions. Pinnacle actually offers three programs in the Studio line, of which Ultimate is the most powerful – while still being easy to use. That makes it ideal for a wide range of users, from beginners to more advanced users.

The program's entry-level features include timeline and storyboard editing, as well as quick start project templates. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate also includes a wealth of features for professional-level users, including multi-camera editing (for up to 6 cameras), split-screen video, color grading, motion title graphics, and 360-degree video editing. There's also an advanced audio editor and access to a royalty-free music library, along with a variety of helpful video tutorials.

Unlike iMovie with a free download, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate sells for $129.95. Pinnacle also offers two less fully-featured versions of the program – Pinnacle Studio Standard for $59.95 and Pinnacle Studio Plus for $99.95. A free trial is available.

Take a look at PCMag’s review of the program

Go to the review

You can download the program by following the link below

Go to the Pinnacle Studio Ultimate download page

Pros:

  • Designed for both beginning and advanced users

  • Large library of filters, titles, graphics, and overlays

  • Advanced audio editing with royalty-free music library

  • 4K, 360-degree, and multi-camera editing

Cons:

  • Not all features available in lower-cost versions

  • Ultimate version is expensive

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is a solid choice for users seeking advanced editing features in a Windows-based iMovie alternative. It offers tools like 4K video editing, precise keyframing controls, and unlimited track editing, making it suitable for more complex projects.

Joey Edits

What is the best iMovie alternative for Windows?

Of the six video editing-programs described above, which is the best iMovie alternative? It all depends on what you want to do.

If you want the best all-around combination of value, features, and functionality with an easy-to-use interface, Movavi Video Editor is the right choice. It takes what users like about iMovie and adds more functionality without sacrificing usability.If you enjoy the free trial, you can purchase an activation key and use this alternative to iMovie for Windows without any limits.

If you want an easy-to-use video editor that's easy on the budget, VSDC Video Editor and OpenShot are your best bets. Both offer simple operation and basic functionality and both are totally free.

If you want iMovie for Windows with more professional video-editing tools and effects, DaVinci Resolve, CyberLink PowerDirector, and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate are worth your consideration. CyberLink PowerDirector is also a good choice if you want access to a large library of stock videos, photos, and background music. While all of these three programs are more costly than the other programs here, you get a lot more power for the price, along with more professional results.

The following table details these six iMovie PC alternatives.

Video editing software

Recommended RAM minimum

Choose it if

Movavi Video Editor

2 GB

You want advanced video editing with an easy-to-use interface at a reasonable price

VSDC Video Editor

1 GB

You want a free video editing solution with basic operation

OpenShot

4 GB

You need a cross-platform video editing solution

Davinci Resolve

16 GB

You want to create broadcast-quality videos with professional video effects

CyberLink PowerDirector

4 GB

You want access to a large library of stock photos, videos, and background music

Pinnacle Studio Ultimate

4 GB

You want pro-level editing and cinema-grade effects

When you're looking for an alternative to iMovie to download for Windows, any of these six programs will do the job. Choose the one that best fits your individual needs.

Program

Best for

Download

Movavi Video Editor

Anyone who needs a clear interface, easy controls, and lots of editing tools

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VSDC Video Editor

Those who need free software for basic editing

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OpenShot

Making professional-grade movies

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References

Movavi Video Editor

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*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.

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Frequently asked questions

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What is iMovie and what is it used for?

What are some good free video editing apps for Windows?

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