- Every Apple fan knows how useful iMovie is when it comes to creating your own videos. The program gives Mac users an easy-to-use yet powerful video maker – and it’s already built into their machine. Unfortunately, Apple developers have not provided a way to download iMovie for Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista.
- Download, install and launch the program on your Mac computer. Then, directly enter the mode of 'Create New Movie'. Click 'Import Media' to load the video you wish to edit into the media library. Then click '+' or directly drag and drop the video into the Timeline for editing.
For beginners and starters, you can try OpenShot Video Editor either, which is also a free and open-source iMovie for Windows 10/8/7 without watermarks. Best iMovie for Windows - OpenShot. Powered by the FFmpeg library, OpenShot can import and export most of the popular file formats. Desktop integration.
I had this same problem. The way I solved it was to go into the app store, and specifically click on iMovie. The tab there mentioned something like 'upgrade' (where normally you would see 'buy'). If I click on that, there is a pull down menu that says that I do not have the lastest operating system for the new movie, but that I can reinstall the older version. When I clicked on that option, it reinstalled iMovie (which for some reason just hadn't worked in Mountain Lion). It worked just fine. I didn't have to pay. If you are signed in at the app store, and click on iMovie, hopefully you will be presented with this option as well.
Nov 1, 2013 6:08 PM
Before you begin, make sure to back up your iMovie libraries, your media, and the iMovie app.
Try these troubleshooting steps in order
After trying each step below, test iMovie again to see if you've fixed your issue.
Restart your Mac
Reset NVRAM
If you use an external device with iMovie like a camera, reset NVRAM:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Disconnect all external devices other than your keyboard and your mouse.
- Reset NVRAM.
- Open iMovie and attempt to reproduce your issue.
- If iMovie works, reconnect devices one at a time until you can reproduce your issue. Restart your Mac after reconnecting a device if the device requires it.
- If iMovie still doesn't work, you might need to update your device's firmware or have the device serviced.
Update macOS and iMovie
Imovie 1080
Choose Apple menu > App Store, then click Updates. If an iMovie update is available, click Update to download and install it.
Check camera and media format compatibility
Make sure you're using a camera and media format that works with iMovie. If you can't find your camera listed or need further assistance, contact the manufacturer of the device for support.
Imovie 10.8.5 Download
If you're using a third-party video interface with your Mac, check with the manufacturer for firmware or other software updates for your device.
Test with a new library and project
You can create a new library and test project to check if the issue is with your library, project, or iMovie app. First, create a new library:
- Quit iMovie.
- While you press and hold the Option key, click the iMovie app in the Dock or double-click the iMovie app in the Applications folder.
- In the Open Library window, click New to create a new library.
- Name the test library 'Test iMovie Library,' then save it to the Movies folder in your home folder.
Next, create the test project using a built-in trailer template, then export it as a QuickTime video file:
- In iMovie, click Projects to return to the Projects view.
- Choose File > New Trailer, click the Action trailer template, then click Create.
- Choose File > Share > File, click Next, name the file 'Finish Line,' then save the video file to the Desktop.
Next, import the QuickTime video file into a new project in the new library:
- Click projects to return to the Projects view. In the window, click OK.
- Choose File > New Movie.
- Choose File > Import Media, then click Desktop in the Import window sidebar. Select the 'Finish Line.mov' file in the list, then click the Import Selected button.
- Select the clip in the browser, then press the E key to add the clip to the timeline.
- Try to recreate the issue you were having. For example, if iMovie quit when adding a transition, try to add a transition to the timeline.
If the new library and project work as expected, you've isolated the cause of your issue to the original library or project. Try to restore a previous version of the original library from a Time Machine or other backup.
Reset iMovie
Reset iMovie to default settings. Libraries won't be affected.
Reinstall iMovie
Delete iMovie, then redownload and reinstall it. Libraries won't be affected.