How to Install Shotcut on Windows

Shotcut is an awesome video edting tool and it will enable you to get started quickly and easily. Within about 40 minutes you can learn the basics and begin your own video editing. But it is SO ANNOYING when you find an application that sounds awesome, but theres no instuctions on how to install it. Thats where this article will help. It’s a full tutorial on how to install Shotcut on Windows. You can watch the video, or follow the step by step tutorial below.

You can install Shotcut on Windows by visiting the publishers website and clicking the download button. It has an easy-to-follow installer and by default, has all the correct options selected for majority of users to get started.

Shotcut is an open source (free to use) video editing program. It is available on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems and is simple to understand, perfect for beginners or those who like a simple interface. It enables you to start editing videos without paid software and after watching a short video tutorial, you will have all the basics understood and be ready to give it a go.

In this post we explain how to install Shotcut on Windows and what you need to do to get the software up and running so you can edit your videos. If the basic installation does not work for you, leave us a comment on the YouTube video and we will do our best to help you through the problems.

Step 1: Check Your System

Check whether your computer is a 32 or 64 bit machine.

You can do this by opening File Explorer, right click This PC and select Properties.

Under System and System Type, check whether it says 64-bit or 32-bit. Keep this information handy as you will need it in the next step.

Step 2: Download the Installer

Open a web browser and go to the Shotcut website. Go to the Download page and select either the 32-bit or 64-bit download option (depending on your findings in step 1). Avoid the portable version, unless you are specifically looking for this option.

Step 3: Install Shotcut on Windows

Once it has downloaded, Run the installer. How you do this will depend on your web browser, but it usually pops up on the bottom left of the screen and asks if you would like to run the installer. If it does not, navigate to your Downloads folder and it should be in there.

Step 4: Confirm Security

Accept the Windows security prompt, and the installer will start. Read the license agreement and then click Accept. If you do not accept the software is unable to install, so we will assume you agree for this tutorial.

Step 5: Installation Directory

Select your Destination folder. This is where the files will install to on your computer. For most users, the default location is already selected:

C:\Program Files\Shotcut

Do not panic if you see a different location, or if there is an (86) in the destination. The main thing you need to be concerned about, is the Space required is smaller than the Space available (you can see this in the bottom left of the installer). At the time of writing, the installer requires just under 300MB. This will not cause an issue for majority of computers. Click Next to go to the next screen.

Step 6: Shotcut Options

This is the Installation Options menu, you will see 4 selection boxes. By default it will be setup for you, the bottom box will be unselected in most cases. Here is a quick overview of what each option does:

  • Remove Old Program Files
    Will remove old versions and program files from the computer as installation begins
  • Install Program Files
    The core files required to run the program
  • Create Start Menu Shortcuts
    Shotcut will appear in your start menu so you can find it easily by clicking on the start menu (or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard)
  • Remove Shotcut Settings From Registry
    This is to fix a known bug in the installer. If you are having problems installing or running the program, try selecting this option. By default you should leave it unticked

Once you are happy with your installation options, click Install.

Step 7: Run/Open Shotcut

Installation is now complete! You can close the installer by clicking Close.

Test the program by opening it and ensuring it loads.

If it keeps on crashing, you may need to reinstall the software (by following the same steps) but selecting the option Remove Shotcut Settings From Registry.

Install Shotcut on Windows: Troubleshooting

If you are having problems working out how to install Shotcut on Windows, comment on our YouTube video and we will get back to you with help. Alternatively, there is an active forum on the publishers website where you can receive community help.

Next Steps

Learn Shotcut Video Editor for Free: Shotcut Free Course

Ready to take the next step and fast-track your progress? Complete Shotcut Training