Windows Movie Maker first appeared in 2000 and has undergone a number of updates since. The software was included with some versions of the operating system or can be downloaded.

One of the most recent upgrades to the software includes the ability to edit DVR-MS files. These are the files created when the Windows Media Center records a conventional television signal. This allows the user to selectively edit commercial television content. Other upgrades have included support for high definition files.

Users import video files into Microsoft Movie Maker directly from the camera, memory card or other sources. The software accommodates a number of video file formats. The user then can perform video editing functions. This includes selecting or clipping portions of the video, placing video segments in order, apply transitions between clips and add titles or subtitles.

The resulting completed video can be outputted in a number of formats including popular video sharing sites such as Youtube.

Users also use the software to produce slide shows. Place imported JPEG images along the timeline. Add narration or background music, titles and transition to produce an animated slide show. The resulting file is exported in one of the video file formats for display.

Windows Movie Maker is popular with home and casual video users because of its free availability and ease of use. For simple video editing it meets most needs although many users ultimately upgrade to other software options.

Support for Windows Movie Maker is provided by Microsoft and is available through the Microsoft Windows Essentials website.