Workaround: How to Add Multiple Audio Tracks Using Windows Movie Maker

The free non-linear video editing program that comes with all Microsoft Windows products is on a par with the video editing capability of many expensive non-linear programs such as Avid, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premier, with one exception.

Windows Movie maker only allows one audio track to be added to your film project, where as Avid, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premier allow practically limitless audio tracks.

In practice this means you start out with two audio tracks the one that is bound to your video, and one that you control (i.e. to add a song or a sound effect).

While having only one audio track in your control is fine for most home movie projects, this can be a terrible hindrance if you are attempting to produce a professional or semi-professional product. The following workaround will allow you to add infinite audio tracks to your Windows Movie Maker project with no hacking, coding or special skills needed.

Windows Movie Maker Multiple Audio Track Work Around Step 1:

The project begins as normal. Add your video file(s) and music file(s) to a new Windows Movie Maker Project. Cut and insert your existing video and audio tracks into the Windows Movie Marker timeline. Edit your project to a final cut stage for that video and audio sequence. Save your Windows Movie Maker project.

Now publish your movie using Control + P or go to top menu - file - publish movie.

Windows Movie Maker will ask you 'where you do you want to publish your movie?' Select 'This Computer.'

Windows Movie Maker Multiple Audio Track Work Around Step 2:

Open a new project in Windows Movie Maker. Import the file you just published to your computer. This should be a perfectly edited and mixed version of you last project. Cut and insert the entire video clip into the Windows Movie Marker timeline. You'll notice that both audio tracks are now bound to the video track leaving the second audio track free.

Add your new track of audio, perhaps sound effects. When you save be sure to save as a new project with a unique name or your other project will be deleted. This will become important if you find a problem with audio levels, or video edits later.

Now publish your movie using Control + P or go to top menu - file - publish movie.

Windows Movie Maker Multiple Audio Track Work Around Step 3:

Repeat step two, except this time use the last file you published. You'll notice that Windows Movie Maker has bound all three tracks of audio to your video file, again leaving the secondary audio track empty.

Repeat as many times as you like.

A few extra notes:

It is a really, really good idea to get the video edits perfect before moving to step two. If you want to change any of the video edits you may have to start all over again.

It is best to start with the loudest audio tracks you will use, and move to the quietest step by step. You can always decrease general levels of audio on your composite track, but sound can become distorted if your try to boost it too loud.