How to Rotate a Video in Windows 11 for Beginners

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How to Rotate a Video in Windows 11 for Beginners

If you’ve ever found yourself needing to rotate a video, you’re not alone. Videos can end up in all sorts of orientations due to the way they’re recorded, whether it’s a slip of the hand while filming or the camera being placed in an awkward position. Fortunately, Windows 11 provides a variety of easy-to-use options to rotate your videos to the desired orientation. This guide will walk you through the various methods you can use to rotate a video in Windows 11, ensuring that even beginners can handle the task with confidence.

Before diving into the actual process of rotating a video, it is essential to understand video orientation. Videos can be recorded in different orientations: landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical). In some situations, especially with mobile recordings, you may end up with a video that is rotated incorrectly.

Windows 11 offers several integrated tools and third-party software options that you can use to rotate videos. Here are the most effective methods:

The Photos app in Windows 11 is not just for viewing photos; it also provides basic video editing capabilities, including rotating videos.


Step 1: Open Videos in Photos App

  • Locate the video file you wish to rotate. You can do this by navigating to File Explorer (Windows + E).
  • Right-click on the video file and select

    Open with > Photos

    .


Step 2: Enter Editing Mode

  • Once the video opens in the Photos app, you’ll see a toolbar at the top of the window. Look for the

    Edit video

    option, usually indicated by a pencil icon or an “Edit” button.
  • Click on it to start editing your video.


Step 3: Rotate the Video

  • At the bottom of the editing screen, you should see a toolbar. Look for the

    Rotate

    button indicated by a circular arrow.
  • Click the Rotate button once for each 90-degree rotation until the video is in the desired orientation.


Step 4: Save the Changes

  • After rotating, click the

    Save a copy

    button to save your edited video. This ensures that the original video remains unchanged, and you now have a new version in the correct orientation.

Windows Movie Editor is another built-in tool in Windows 11 that provides more advanced editing features compared to the Photos app.


Step 1: Launch Windows Movie Editor

  • To access Windows Movie Editor, type “Video Editor” in the Windows search bar and hit Enter to open the application.


Step 2: Create a New Project

  • Click on

    New Video Project

    . Name your project for easy identification.


Step 3: Import Video

  • Click on

    Add

    to import the video you want to rotate. You can drag and drop your video file, or you can browse your files.


Step 4: Add Video to Project

  • Once imported, you need to click on the video to add it to your project storyboard.


Step 5: Rotate the Video

  • In the action menu, you will see multiple editing options. Use the

    Rotate

    buttons to set your video’s orientation as needed.


Step 6: Export the Video

  • Once you’re satisfied with the orientation, click on the

    Finish Video

    option to export your project. Choose your desired video quality and save it.

VLC Media Player is a widely-used third-party media application that offers extensive video editing features, one of which is rotating videos.


Step 1: Download and Open VLC

  • If you don’t already have VLC, download it from the VLC official website and install it.


Step 2: Open the Video

  • Launch VLC Media Player and go to

    Media > Open File

    . Browse for your video file and open it.


Step 3: Access the Rotate Feature

  • After the video opens, go to

    Tools > Effects and Filters

    .
  • Click on the

    Video Effects

    tab and then the

    Geometry

    tab.


Step 4: Rotate the Video

  • Check the box next to

    Transform

    and select the rotation option (90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees) to correctly orient your video.


Step 5: Save the Rotated Video

  • After making the adjustments, to save the rotated video, go to

    Media > Convert / Save

    . Add your video file again, select

    Convert

    , and choose the output format before saving.

If you prefer not to use installed software, there are plenty of online video editors that can help you rotate your video with ease. Websites such as Kapwing, Clideo, or Online Video Cutter allow you to rotate videos without downloading anything.


Step 1: Visit an Online Video Editor

  • Navigate to your preferred online video editing site. For instance, search for “Kapwing video editor.”


Step 2: Upload Your Video

  • Most online tools will have a simple drag-and-drop option for uploading files. Select and upload your video.


Step 3: Rotate the Video

  • Look for the rotation option, which is usually represented by circular arrow icons. Choose the desired rotation until your video is correctly oriented.


Step 4: Download the Video

  • Once your video is rotated correctly, follow the site’s instructions to export or download the edited video.

For individuals looking for a professional-grade solution, Adobe Premiere Pro offers robust editing options, including video rotation.


Step 1: Open Adobe Premiere Pro

  • Launch the application and create a new project.


Step 2: Import Video

  • Drag and drop your video into the project workspace or import it using the menu.


Step 3: Add to Timeline

  • Click and drag your video onto the timeline.


Step 4: Rotate the Video

  • Select the video clip on the timeline, then navigate to the

    Effect Controls

    panel.
  • Locate the

    Rotation

    option under the

    Transform

    section and enter the desired rotation value (90, 180, or 270 degrees).


Step 5: Export the Video

  • Once edited, go to

    File > Export > Media

    and choose your export settings to save your video in the correct orientation.


Always Work with Copies

: Before rotating the original video, make a copy. This ensures that you still have the unedited version in case you need to revert back.


Check Video Formats

: Some applications may have specific supported video formats. Make sure your video is in a compatible format for the editor you choose.


Play Back the Video

: After rotating the video, always play it back to ensure it meets your expectations. This quick review can save you time if adjustments are needed.


Export Settings

: Be mindful of export settings, including resolution and format. Always choose the best quality settings for your intended use.


Internet Connectivity for Online Editors

: If you’re using online tools, ensure a stable internet connection to facilitate video uploads and downloads without interruption.

Rotating a video in Windows 11 is an accessible task, whether you choose to use built-in applications like the Photos app or Windows Movie Editor, leverage third-party software like VLC Media Player, or utilize online video editing sites. By following the steps outlined above, you should feel comfortable handling any necessary video rotations, regardless of the level of experience you possess. With practice, you’ll find these methods easy to master, allowing you to present your videos in the best orientation possible. So, the next time you face a stubbornly rotated video, you’ll know exactly how to straighten things out effectively!

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