iMovie is a video editing software application developed by Apple for its Mac and iOS devices. It is designed to be fully integrated with the Apple ecosystem, but is not compatible with the Windows operating system.
But if you want to download iMovie for Windows, we have some good news: there’s a way around that!
Unveiling iMovie’s Powerful Features
Contents
- Unveiling iMovie’s Powerful Features
- iMovie Alternative Video Editing Tools for Windows
- Step-by-Step Guide: Detailed Instructions on Downloading and Installing iMovie on Windows Using Virtualization Software
- 1. Install a Mac OS Virtual Machine (VM) on your Windows PC
- 2. Download and Install iMovie
- Enhancing Your iMovie Experience on Windows: Top Performance Tips
- Exploring Other Options: iMovie Alternatives for Windows Users
iMovie is a well-loved video editing software that provides users with the capability to create and edit videos for personal, educational, and even professional video editing projects.
Given its ease of use, it’s perfect for short-form content, which is predicted to grow in 2023. Its intuitive interface, unique visual effects, and powerful editing capabilities have made it a favorite among content creators.
Here’s why:
- Simplicity: iMovie’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, even for beginners. Users can create professional-quality videos with little to no prior experience.
- Templates: It offers several pre-set themes and templates, including titles and transitions that can be easily applied to your video.
- Audio Editing: iMovie includes sound effects, voice over recording capabilities, and audio fade-in/out features. This allows users to fine-tune their videos’ soundtracks effortlessly.
- Green Screen Effect: iMovie includes a built-in green screen effect, allowing you to create professional-grade special effects.
iMovie Alternative Video Editing Tools for Windows
iMovie is exclusively available for Apple devices such as Mac, iPad, and iPhone as we stated before. So users can’t use iMovie at Windows, at least not traditionally. However, there are some workaround methods to use iMovie, like using virtualization software.
Be aware, though, that these methods often require a significant amount of technical know-how and computer resources.
Step-by-Step Guide: Detailed Instructions on Downloading and Installing iMovie on Windows Using Virtualization Software
You can create a virtual Mac environment on your Windows machine through virtualization software and download iMovie for PC.
What you’ll need:
- VMware software and unlocker file
- An optional partition dedicated to the macOS virtual machine
- A macOS image in .cdr format
Here are the steps you must follow:
1. Install a Mac OS Virtual Machine (VM) on your Windows PC
- Installation of VMware and Unlocker
Install either the VMware Workstations Pro or VMware Workstation Player. Next, download the unlocker file from GitHub that enables VMware to install a macOS virtual machine.
- Create partition
Creating a separate partition for virtual machine files is recommended. You can use the shrink volume feature in Disk Management or a tool like MiniTool Partition Wizard.
- Download/Create a MacOS Image in .cdr Format.
You can find one online.
- Creating a MacOS Virtual Machine with VMware
- Open VMware and select File > New Virtual Machine. Select the ‘Typical’ setup and proceed by clicking ‘Next.’
- You’ll need to specify the macOS image file. To do this, select ‘Installer disc image file (iso),’ then ‘Browse.’ Note that you’ll need to alter the file type to ‘All files’ to view the .cdr image.
- Select Apple Mac OS X, and specify the right version.
- Define the virtual machine’s name, location, and disk capacity (minimum 40 GB). Click ‘Finish.’
- To adjust your macOS hardware settings, navigate to ‘VM’ and ‘Settings.’ You should set the memory to at least 4GB to ensure smooth operation. Save your changes by clicking ‘OK.’
- You must tweak the configuration file to prevent a VMware boot error. Find your PC’s macOS virtual machine configuration file (.vmx) and open it with Notepad.
- Within the notepad, locate the line: ‘smc.present = “TRUE”‘. Below this, insert the line: ‘smc.version = “0”‘. Save and exit. You should now be able to boot up the macOS virtual machine without issues.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for the macOS installation, using Utilities > Disk Utility to choose a disk.
- Select ‘VMware Virtual SATA Hard Drive Media,’ then click ‘Erase.’ Follow the provided steps to rename and erase the disk. Exit the Utilities tool and choose the disk you renamed for the macOS installation.
- Follow the installation wizard to adjust settings according to your preferences.
2. Download and Install iMovie
Once you have your macOS virtual machine running, you can download and install iMovie:
- Open the App Store on the macOS virtual machine.
- Search for iMovie in the search bar.
- Click on “Get” to download iMovie. Once downloaded, the “Get” button will change to “Install.” Click on “Install” to install iMovie.
Enhancing Your iMovie Experience on Windows: Top Performance Tips
While running iMovie on Windows via a virtual machine is possible, it can be demanding on system resources. Here are a few tips to ensure the best experience:
Upgrade Your Hardware: Ensure your computer has a powerful processor, ample memory (RAM), and sufficient storage.
Allocate Adequate Resources: When setting up your virtual machine, allocate a good amount of resources. This includes CPU cores, RAM, and storage space.
Keep Your System Up-To-Date: Regularly update your Windows operating system and the macOS within the virtual machine for optimal performance.
Be patient: Running a VM can be slower than running software natively. Especially when editing video, expect tasks to take a little longer.
Pre-preparations to avoid regular freezing of the macOS VM:
- Processor: A 4th generation or newer Intel i5
- Memory: Minimum 8GB
- Disk Space: Over 100GB free
- OS: Windows 7 (64-bit) or newer
Exploring Other Options: iMovie Alternatives for Windows Users
If running iMovie on a VM sounds too daunting or resource-heavy for your current setup, consider alternative video editing software compatible with Windows.
Here’s a quick comparison:
This is another user-friendly video editor, packed with plenty of features for content creators. Movavi offers intuitive editing controls and many transitions, effects, and enhancement tools. It’s an excellent option if you are looking for iMovie alternative for Windows.
Filmora is perfect for beginners or those needing to create high-quality videos quickly. It provides a drag-and-drop interface and a variety of pre-set effects and templates. Its capabilities include video stabilization, green screen effects, layering clips and images, and audio editing.
Shotcut is an open-source video editor with many features often found in premium software. This includes support for many formats, 4K resolution, multi-track editing, and video and audio effects. While it might have a steeper learning curve due to its interface, it is a capable tool for those on a tight budget.