To compress a video on Windows, open it in Clipchamp, which comes with Windows 11, and export it at 720p or 480p. HandBrake and VLC are free alternatives for Windows 10 and 11. If you need a file under an exact limit, such as 25 MB for Gmail, use the MobileStudio Video Compressor in Edge or Chrome, which targets the size for you.
The short answer
| Method | Windows version | Exact size? |
|---|---|---|
| MobileStudio Video Compressor | Any, in the browser | Yes |
| Clipchamp | Windows 11 (free download on 10) | No |
| HandBrake | 10 and 11 | Close, with average bitrate |
| VLC | 10 and 11 | No |
How do I compress a video on Windows 11 with Clipchamp?
- Open Clipchamp from the Start menu and create a new video.
- Import your video and drag it onto the timeline.
- Click Export and choose 720p or 480p.
- Save the file.
Microsoft's Clipchamp editing guide covers the basics. Clipchamp's free plan exports up to 1080p, and dropping a step in resolution is what shrinks the file.
How do I compress a video on Windows to an exact size?
- Open the MobileStudio Video Compressor in Edge or Chrome.
- Drop in your video.
- Choose 20 MB (Discord), 25 MB (email), or type your own size.
- Leave Resolution on Auto and press Compress.
- Download the MP4.
The video is compressed on your PC, never uploaded, and re-encoded smaller automatically if the first pass lands over.
How do I compress a video with HandBrake?
HandBrake is free, open source, and the most flexible option:
- Open your video in HandBrake.
- Choose a preset such as Fast 720p30.
- On the Video tab, either keep Constant Quality (HandBrake's guide suggests RF 20 to 24 for 1080p) or choose Avg Bitrate to target a size.
- Click Start Encode.
For a target size, bitrate in kbps ≈ size in MB × 8,000 ÷ length in seconds, minus about 128 for the audio.
How do I compress a video with VLC?
VLC can convert too, though with fewer controls:
- Open VLC and choose Media > Convert / Save.
- Add your video and click Convert / Save.
- Pick the Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) profile. Click the wrench icon to lower the resolution or bitrate.
- Choose a destination and click Start.
VLC is handy if it's already installed, but HandBrake gives more predictable results. Both are free, and both work the same way on Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you can follow the same steps on an older laptop or a new desktop.
Which method should I use on Windows?
- Email or Discord upload: the browser compressor, because it guarantees the size.
- Already editing in Clipchamp: export at a lower resolution.
- Lots of files or precise settings: HandBrake.
Whatever you use, trim the parts you don't need first with the video trimmer. Shorter is always smaller. For the background on why files get big, read how to compress a video, and if you're sending to Discord, see how to compress a video for Discord.
Where MobileStudio fits
The compressor is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns phone screen recordings into polished app demos. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Does Windows have a built-in video compressor?
Windows 11 includes Clipchamp, which can export smaller files. Windows 10 users can download Clipchamp or HandBrake for free.
How do I make a video smaller to email on Windows?
Compress it to 25 MB with the MobileStudio Video Compressor, then attach it.
What's the best free video compressor for Windows?
HandBrake for control, the browser compressor for exact sizes, Clipchamp for simple edits.
Does compressing a video in VLC reduce quality?
Yes, a little, like any re-encode. Keep the resolution sensible for the size and it stays watchable.
Can I compress a video on Windows 10?
Yes. HandBrake, VLC, and the browser compressor all work on Windows 10.
