Microsoft Integrates OneDrive with Clipchamp, the Built-in Video Editor of Windows 11

Microsoft’s New Policy on Clipchamp: OneDrive Required for Project Editing

In a recent update, Microsoft has mandated that users of Clipchamp, its integrated video editing application, must save all their projects to OneDrive to continue editing. The built-in video editor will become inaccessible unless OneDrive synchronization is enabled. Users wishing to retain video projects locally will find them invisible within the Clipchamp app, effectively rendering the tool unusable without cloud storage.

“Projects must be saved to OneDrive to stay editable, ” Microsoft has officially stated.

Having used Clipchamp for editing and trimming various screen recordings, I found its user-friendly interface and basic editing features appealing. However, upon reopening the app, I encountered an unexpected popup prompting me to click on a “Continue” button to transfer all my previous projects to OneDrive.

Microsoft Clipchamp asks permission to save video projects to OneDrive

As I do not have a OneDrive subscription, I was reluctant to comply. When I selected the option to store projects on my PC, Clipchamp informed me that those projects wouldn’t be editable unless backed up to OneDrive. This catch frustrated me, especially since I had nearly 36 projects I frequently revisited.

Although I persisted in saving these projects locally, the reality is that to edit them in the future, I’d have to upload them back to OneDrive first.

Microsoft Clipchamp and OneDrive apps on Windows 11 taskbar with OneNote and Notepad nearby

It’s perplexing to note that while Microsoft claims my media files will remain on my device if I don’t upload them to OneDrive, the projects themselves must be stored on OneDrive to ensure seamless access across devices. So, if my media files aren’t stored in OneDrive, how can I edit the same project on another device?

Understanding the OneDrive Requirement for Clipchamp

Microsoft Clipchamp open in Windows desktop

Clipchamp originally entered the market as a freemium browser-based editing tool and has since evolved into a Windows app. It’s essential to note that Microsoft’s default video editor still utilizes a web wrapper and is not built on the WinUI3 framework.

Microsoft Clipchamp is a WebView2 powered video editor

Though OneDrive integration had been present since the early days of Clipchamp, with the ability to import files from the cloud, this recent shift toward mandatory storage arose from an experimental phase that began in August 2025. That experiment has now solidified into policy.

Users are confronted with a stark reality: Clipchamp is now fundamentally dependent on OneDrive for functionality. The option to save projects locally only leads to archiving existing projects or deleting them, which is a considerable setback for flexibility.

Options Clipchamp gives instead of saving your existing video project files to OneDrive

Choosing to store on a local disk triggers a complete removal of current projects from Clipchamp, necessitating a folder selection to archive them.

You can choose a folder on your device to archive old Clipchamp video projects

However, this method raises privacy concerns, as Clipchamp requires permissions to view and copy files when you select an archive folder, shining a light on the platform’s data practices.

Clipchamp asks permission to view and copy files while choosing a folder to archive old video projects

With the number of projects dictating save duration, Microsoft is essentially funneling users towards OneDrive for project storage, complicating the editing process for those who prefer local storage.

Alternatives to Clipchamp: Free Open Source Video Editors

Fortunately, Windows 11 offers a variety of free video editing alternatives that do not impose data mining or pressure towards premium services. After transitioning from extensive usage of Adobe Premiere Pro, I currently seek simplicity in video editing, sharing a preference that originally led me to Clipchamp.

Here are three highly recommended open-source video editors suitable for Windows 11, each catering to different editing needs:

OpenShot: Ideal for beginners, OpenShot features an intuitive interface, making it a great option for users coming from Clipchamp.
OpenShot video editor. Source: Openshot
Shotcut: Offering more features than OpenShot while maintaining ease of use, Shotcut is a solid choice for those familiar with professional editing tools.
Shotcut video editor. Source: Shotcut
Kdenlive: Best suited for advanced users, Kdenlive provides a plethora of powerful tools for more complex video editing tasks.
Kdenlive video editors. Source: Kdenlive

While numerous other tools exist, these three provide a straightforward transition from Clipchamp. Personally, I plan to use OpenShot for its straightforward functionality.

Moreover, it’s important to recognize that the Windows 10 Photos app had a built-in video editor feature which is notably absent in the advanced Windows 11. Historically, Microsoft offered Windows Movie Maker free of charge, leading one to wonder about the shift in their strategy towards subscription-based services.

Similarly, Apple’s iMovie remains freely accessible, providing robust editing capabilities without pushing users towards cloud services, contrasting sharply with Microsoft’s current model. With the luxurious features of the new MacBook Neo, Windows 11 faces challenges in competing effectively.

This is not to disregard paid software entirely; however, with Windows 11 already being a premium operating system, users deserve a basic, native video editing solution as part of their experience.