How to Replace a Bicycle Tire

Having a flat bicycle tire can leave you stranded, but it’s simple to replace the tire yourself. Usually, this just means replacing the tube inside the tire. However, you may need a new tire if it’s very damaged or worn. Before you replace the tire, you’ll need to take it off. Then, replace the tube and tire, if necessary. Finally, put the tire back onto the wheel.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Taking Off the Wheel

1. Put your bicycle on its side with the chain facing up. You can’t remove a tire while the bicycle is upright because it will fall over. The chain side, which is called the driving side, should always face up to avoid damaging it.
   
   • You can also turn the bike upside down, resting it on its handlebars. Some people don’t like turning it upside down because the handlebars or seat can get damaged.^[1]
   • As another option, you can invest in an upright bike stand that will hold your bicycle while you work on it. You can find these stands at some bicycle stores or online. Also, you can build one yourself.
2. Adjust your gears to the smallest ring if you’re removing the back tire. Usually, this will be the outer gear. Setting your chain on this outer, smaller gear will make it easier to remove the rear tire.^[2]
   
   
   • You don’t need to adjust the gears if you’re removing the front tire.
3. Open and remove the quick release lever, if your bike has one. Look for the quick release lever at the center of your bicycle wheel. Pull up on the lever, then turn it 180 degrees to loosen it. Remove the lever from the axle and set it aside.^[3]
   
   
   • If your quick release lever doesn’t come off after you turn it 180 degrees, keep turning it until you can remove it.
   • If you’re not sure how to remove your bicycle tire, it’s best to check your bicycle manual or the manufacturer’s website.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts if you don’t have a quick release lever. Hook the wrench onto the nut, then turn to loosen it. Continue turning the nut until it comes off. Remove the wheel nuts on both sides of the bike.^[4]
   
   • If you can’t get the nut loose, you can spray it with WD-40 or cooking spray to make it easier to loosen it.
   • A 15mm wrench is usually the correct size for loosening the nuts on a bicycle.
5. Detach the brake cables if necessary. In many cases, opening the quick release lever also detaches the brakes. If your model doesn’t have this feature, squeeze the calipers on the brakes to release the cables.^[5]
   
   
   • Check your bicycle manual or the manufacturer’s website if you’re having trouble detaching your brakes. Instructions vary for different bike models.
6. Lift the wheel off the frame. Pull the tire out of the forked slot that supports it on the bicycle. You may need to slightly shift the bike tire as you remove it.^[6]
   
   
   • If you’re removing a back tire, you may need to lift the bicycle chain out of the way.

[Edit]Removing the Tire and Tube

1. Deflate the tire completely. Loosen the cap on the air valve. If it comes completely off, set the cap aside. Release the air using the correct procedure for your air valve type. This will make it easier to remove.^[7]
   
   
   • If your bicycle has a Schrader (American) valve, use a small tool, such as your wrench, to press down on the plunger inside the air valve to release the air.
   • If you have a Presta valve, unscrew and pull up on the valve cap to release the air.
   • If you have a Dunlop valve, take off the cap, then pull up on the air valve to release the air.
2. Hook the rounded edge of a tire lever under the outer edge of your tire. This will pop up the edge of the tire, releasing it from the frame. Pull the other end of the lever down toward the spokes. Next, hook the other end of the lever onto a wheel spoke to keep the edge of the tire popped up.^[8]
   
   
   • If you don’t hook the other end of the lever onto a spoke, your tire will go back into place and reseal itself around the wheel.
   • The outer edge of a bicycle tire is called a “bead.”
   • You can find inexpensive tire levers at a bicycle store, outdoor store, or online.
   • You may be able to remove your tire with a spoon or screwdriver, but they can damage your tire.
3. Work a second tire lever clockwise around the circumference of the tire. Insert the second lever near the first one, then press up on the tire. Move the lever clockwise around the tire, pushing up on the tire as you go. Keep going until the entire side is loosened from the frame.^[9]
   
   
4. Pull the tube out from inside the tire. Insert your fingers under the side of the tire. Grab the tube and slide it out. When you reach the air valve, push it through the hole on the wheel frame, then continue removing the tube.^[10]
   
   
   • You can discard or recycle the tube.

[Edit]Inserting a New Bicycle Tube

1. Unwrap the tube and remove the dust cap, lock ring, and valve cover. Carefully unfold the tube, making sure you don’t damage it. A dust cap and lock ring may be on your air valve, and you will need to remove them. Loosen or remove the air valve cover so you can add air to the tire.^[11]
   
   
2. Inflate the bicycle tube slightly so it will hold its shape. Putting air in the tire will also help you avoid pinching, bending, or twisting the tube as you install it. This makes it easier to install the new tube.^[12]
   
   
3. Inspect the inside wall of the tire for a puncture. Look for a sharp object that may have punctured the tire, such as a nail, thorn, or piece of glass. Use your eyes, a cloth, or a gloved finger to check the surface of the tire.^[13]
   
   
   • If you find something stuck into the tire, remove it if you plan to patch the tire.
   • Don’t put a new tube inside your bicycle tire without checking for a puncture. If there is an item like a thorn or nail stuck in your tire, it will likely puncture the new tube.
4. Place the tube inside the tire. Press the tube into the tire using your fingers. The tube should follow the shape of the tire. Make sure there are no bends, twists, or kinks in the tube.^[14]
   
   
   • The entire tube should be inside the tire before you proceed. If you're having trouble getting the tube fully inside, take it out and start over. You may need to let out some of the air you put in to help it hold its shape.
5. Buy a new set of tires only if you can’t repair it or the treads are worn. You can usually repair a flat just by changing the tube. However, your tire may need to be replaced if it’s damaged beyond repair. This might mean a large break or puncture. It may also be beyond repair if the treads are worn down, the tire is dry rotted, or the tire is very old. If this is the case, you can buy a new set of tires from a local bike store or online.^[15]
   
   • You’ll need to buy a set of tires labeled for use on your bicycle model. It’s best to get them from the manufacturer.
   • Tires are sold folded up in a package. Usually, the package will contain a set of tires.
   • Always change both tires if you need to change one. Otherwise, the tires won’t match and you risk having a blow out on one of them, particularly the older tire.

[Edit]Putting Your Tire Back on Your Bike

1. Work the tire back onto the wheel on one side. Put the air valve in the air valve hole. Then, align the outer rim on one side with the wheel. Push the rim back into place along the wheel frame.^[16]
   
   
   • Check your tire for an arrow that tells you which direction the treads should face. This is called the “direction of travel.” If your tire has an arrow, make sure it’s facing forward. Some tires can go in either direction and won’t have this arrow.
   • Don’t use any tools to replace the tire. This can damage or puncture the tire or tube. Just use your fingers.
   • Use this same process to put the tire on the wheel frame whether it's the old tire or a new tire.
2. Fit the other side of the tire back onto the wheel frame. Make sure the tube is completely under the tire. Next, put your fingers on one side of the air valve and press the tire into place. Work your way around the wheel frame, pushing the tire onto the frame. Finish over the air valve, which will be the loosest part of the tire when it’s on the frame.^[17]
   
   
   • Make sure there are no bulges on the tire, which could mean the tube is bunched up, twisted, or pinched.
   • You may have to use tire levers at the end of the process, but be very careful not to puncture the tube or tire.
   • Putting your tire back on the wheel can be very difficult, especially if your tire is new. However, you can get it back on with just your hands.
3. Screw the lock ring down over your air valve if there is one. Some tubes come with a lock ring that goes down over the air valve. It will hold your tube in place on the wheel. Align the lock ring with the threads on the air valve, then screw it down.^[18]
   
   
   • If your bike tube didn’t have a lock ring, skip this step.
4. Inflate your tire to the correct pressure level. You can use a manual or electric air pump to air up the tires. Fit your pump onto the air valve, then air up the tires. Once the tires reach the correct pressure level, put on the air valve cap.^[19]
   
   
   • The correct pressure level should be listed on your tire wall. You can also check your bicycle manual or look it up online.
5. Slide the wheel back onto the bike and replace the lever or nuts. Thread the wheel back into the forked slot that holds it in place. Then, slide the lever or metal bar that holds the wheel back into place. Tighten the easy release lever or nuts, using a wrench if necessary. Close the easy release lever, if your bike has one.^[20]
   
   
   • If you fixed your back tire, you’ll need to lift the chain to put it back on.
   • Check that the wheel spins freely.
6. Reconnect the brakes if they’re still detached. Press the calipers again and slide the brakes into place. Squeeze the brakes to make sure they tighten up on the wheel.^[21]
   
   • Before you ride your bike, check the brakes again to make sure they’re in correct working order.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• It’s best to fix your bicycle tire on a flat surface.
• If you’re having trouble changing your bicycle tire, visit a local bicycle shop for help. They will show you how to do it on your bike, though they may charge a small fee.
• If you can, fix your tire indoors to help keep your bike clean and make it easier for you to work.

[Edit]Warnings

• It’s normal for your tires and tubes to deteriorate over time. Bikes kept indoors will likely need tire replacement every 10-15 years, while bikes kept outdoors will likely need tire replacement after 7 years.
• When you remove your tires, be very careful with them so that nothing gets bent. If you accidentally damage a part on your bike, you'll likely need to repair or replace that part.
• Never over-inflate an inner tube, as it can cause you to blow out a tire. Check your tire wall for the recommended pressure level.
• Keep the inner tube away from hot objects. Heat can expand the tube and even cause it to explode.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain
• Fix Stuck Bicycle Brakes
• Paint a Bike
• Replace a Blown Bike Tire Inner Tube

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/dutch-style-puncture-repair/
2. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
3. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
4. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
5. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
6. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/how-to-change-a-bicycle-tire/view-all/
7. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/03/cycling-how-to-fix-a-puncture-even-if-you-dont-have-the-right-tools
8. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20013517/bike-repair-how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/
9. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20013517/bike-repair-how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/
10. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20013517/bike-repair-how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/
11. ↑ https://totalwomenscycling.com/road-cycling/maintenance/how-to-change-an-inner-tube/
12. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20013517/bike-repair-how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/
13. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20013517/bike-repair-how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/
14. ↑ https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20013517/bike-repair-how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/
15. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
16. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
17. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
18. ↑ https://totalwomenscycling.com/road-cycling/maintenance/how-to-change-an-inner-tube/
19. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674
20. ↑ https://totalwomenscycling.com/road-cycling/maintenance/how-to-change-an-inner-tube/
21. ↑ https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/fix-a-puncture-142674

How to Use Windows Movie Maker

In 2017, Windows Movie Maker was officially discontinued and replaced with Video Editor (formerly known as Microsoft Story Remix). If you're using an older PC running Windows 8 or 7, you probably still have Movie Maker installed on your computer. If you're using Windows 10 and miss the features of Movie Maker, you can still download an older version using the Way Back Machine. This wikiHow article will teach you how to download Windows Movie Maker if it's not installed on your computer, and show you how to use the app to edit videos on your PC

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Downloading Windows Movie Maker

1. Download the Windows Live Essentials setup file. If you're using Windows 10, you can download an old official copy of Windows Live Essentials (which includes Windows Movie Maker) from an archived version of Microsoft's website. Visit Windows Live Essentials download page to prompt the WLE setup file to begin downloading.
   
   • This page is largely blank, and may take several seconds to a minute before the file starts downloading.
   • Alternatively, you can use Video Editor, which comes pre-loaded on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This is the replacement for Windows Movie Maker. To launch Video Editor, simply click the Windows Start menu and type "Video Editor." Then click Video Editor to launch it.
2. Open the setup file. Double-click the wlsetup-all.exe file in your computer's default download location to open it. By default, you can open the file in your web browser or your Downloads folder.
   
3. Click when prompted. This allows the Windows Movie Maker setup file to make changes to your system.
   
4. Click . It's at the top of the page. Most of the Windows Essentials programs aren't compatible with Windows 10, but you can install Windows Movie Maker by clicking this option.
   
   • Alternatively, if you only want to install Windows Movie Maker, click Choose the programs you want to install and uncheck all applications, except for Photo Gallery and Movie Maker. Then click Install.
   • If you receive an error messages saying the software couldn't be installed, continue on to check if it was installed anyway. If it was not, click the setup file again and repeat the installation process.
5. Open Start . It's the icon that has the Windows logo. It's in the lower-left corner on Windows 10, and the first icon in the middle of the taskbar at the bottom of Windows 11.
   
6. Type in . This will search your computer for the now-installed Windows Movie Maker app.
   
7. Click . It's has a film reel icon. It's at the top of the Start menu. This will prompt the Windows Essentials terms of use window to open.
   
8. Click . This option is in the bottom-right corner of the window. Movie Maker should open after you do this.
   
   • If clicking Accept doesn't open Movie Maker, re-open Start, type back in, and click the Movie Maker result again to open it.
   • Don't close the installation window before opening Movie Maker.
9. Close the Windows Essentials installation. When the installation window pops up with an error message, just click Close and confirm the decision when prompted. You can now proceed with using Windows Movie Maker.
   

[Edit]Adding Videos & Media

1. Save your new project. A new project will be created automatically when you open Windows Movie Maker Go ahead and save your new project. To do so, click File in the menu bar at the top, and click Save project as in the drop-down menu. Enter a name for your project, and select a destination folder on the left side of the window (e.g., Desktop). Then click Save.
   
   • At any point in the creation process, you can save your progress by pressing Ctrl + S.
2. Click the tab. It's the second tab in the menu bar at the top of Windows Movie Maker.
   
3. Click . It's the first icon in the menu bar at the top. It has an icon that resembles a photograph and a filmstrip.
   
   • You can also right-click the large "Project" window and then click Add videos and photos in the drop-down menu.
   • If you want to record a video using your webcam, click Webcam video and click Ok to start recording a video with your webcam.
4. Select photos or videos. To do so, navigate to the video or images files you want to add to your project. Click a file to select it. Hold Ctrl and click to select multiple files. Then click Open to add the video files to your Project window.
   
5. Click . It's the second icon in the menu bar at the top under the "Home" tab. It has an icon that resembles a music note. Click this icon to select music for your project.
   
6. Select music you want to add. To do so, navigate to folder that contains mp3 or audio files. Click and audio file you want to add and click Open.
   
   • Alternatively, if you want to record a narration for your project, click Record narration to record narration with your microphone.

[Edit]Organizing and Editing

1. Determine a file order. Review your project files and decide which one should go first, second, and so on. You should also figure out where you want the music to start.
   
2. Re-order your files. Click and drag the file that you want to use at the beginning of the video to the top-left corner of the "Project" window to anchor it there. Then drag the next-up file over and drop it to the right of the first file.
   
   • You should see a vertical line appear between the two files. This signifies that if you release the mouse button, the files will snap together.
3. Position the music. Click the green music bar that's located below the video files in the Project window and drag it to the left or right. Then release it to reposition it.
   
   • Keep in mind that the end of the music will lock to the end of the last video or image if the combined length of the files doesn't add up to the music's play time.
4. Edit an image's duration. Double-click an image to open its properties in the toolbar at the top of the window. Then use one of the following options to set how long you want an image to display in your video project:
   
   • Duration - Click the Duration text box, then type in the number of seconds you want an image to display for.
   • End Point - Click and drag the black vertical bar in the Project window to a section in the photo or video where you want to cut off the photo or video and move on to the next one. Then click Set end point in the properties panel at the top.
5. Edit a video's properties. Double-click a video in the Project window to open its properties in the toolbar. Then change any of the following options in the properties panel at the top:
   
   • Volume - Click Video volume on the far left side of the Properties panel. Then click and drag the volume slider left or right to adjust the audio volume.
   • Fade In/Fade Out - A fade-in is when the audio gradually raises from silence at the beginning or a clip. A fade-out is when the audio gradually lowers to silence at the end. To add a fade-in or fade-out, click the "Fade in" or "Fade out" box, then click Slow, Medium, or Fast to select the speed of the fade-in or fade-out.
   • Speed - This allows you to speed up or slow down a video. Click the "Speed" drop-down box, then select a video speed. You can also type in a custom speed. 1x is normal speed. Anything below 1x will slow the video down. Anything above 1x will speed the video up.
   • Trim - This allows you to select parts of a video you want to to use and cut out parts you don't want to use. Click Trim tool in the menu bar at the top. Then click and drag the slider bar on the left below the video preview to where you want the video to start. Then click and drag the slider bar on the right to where you want the video to end. Then click Save Trim.
   • Split - This cuts a video clip into two separate clips. Drag the vertical line in the large Project window to where you want to split a clip. Then click Split in the menu bar at the top to split the clip.
   • Stabilization - This allows you to correct for shaky or wobbly video. Click Video stabilization, then select Anti-shake, Anti-shake and wobble correction - low, or Anti-shake and wobble correction - high.
6. Edit the music's properties. Double-click the green music bar below a video or photo in the Project widow. Then change any of the following options in the toolbar at the top to edit the music:
   
   • Volume - Click Music volume, then click and drag the slider left or right to adjust the music volume.
   • Fade In/Fade Out - A fade-in is when the audio gradually raises from silence at the beginning. A fade-out is when the audio gradually lowers to silence at the end. To add a fade-in or fade-out, click the "Fade in" or "Fade out" box, then click Slow, Medium, or Fast.
   • Start Time - This adjust the time (in seconds) when the music starts playing relative to the length of your entire project. Type the time when you want the audio to start in your project. You can also adjust this by clicking and dragging the green audio bar in the Project window.
   • Start Point - This adjusts the time (in seconds) for when the audio file starts playing relative to the music file. This trims time off the beginning of the audio file. Type the time for when the section of the audio you want to use starts.
   • End Point - This adjusts the time (in seconds) for when the audio file ends. This trims time off the end of the audio file. Type the time for when the section of the audio you want to use stops.

[Edit]Adding Titles and Text

1. Click the tab. It's in the upper-left side of the window. This will take you back to the editing toolbar.
   
2. Click . This option is in the "Add" section of the Home toolbar. This will add a new title at the beginning of the video. You can move the title around in your Project by clicking and dragging it.
   
3. Enter title text. In the text box that appears on the video preview window, type in the title that you want to assign to your video title.
   
   • You can also edit the title slide's length in the "Adjust" section of the toolbar by clicking the text box next to "Duration" and enter the time (in seconds) you want the title to last.
   • If you want to change the title size, font, or formatting, you can do so in the "Font" section of the toolbar.
   • To change the background of the title, click Background color in the menu bar at the top, and click one of the colored swatches.
4. Add captions to your video project. To add a caption to your video, click and drag the vertical black line in the Project window to where you want to add a caption. Then click Caption under the "Home" tab. Then type what you want the caption to say.
   
5. Edit the caption. To edit a caption, double-click the pink caption box below your video clip in the Project window. Then use the following options to edit the caption:
   
   • Font - Use the options in the box above "Font" to select the font you want to use, font size, and style (i.e, bold, italic, underline). Then use the options in the box above "Paragraph" to select the text alignment (i.e. right, center, left) and the text transparency.
   • Edit Text - If you need to edit the text, click Edit text or double-click the text in the video preview. Then use the keyboard to edit the text.
   • Start Time - This sets the time in your project that the caption starts displaying. Type the time (in seconds) for where you want the caption to start showing. You can also click and drag the pink caption box in the Project window to adjust when the caption starts.
   • Text Duration - Use the box next to "Time duration" to to type the time (in seconds) you want the caption to remain on-screen.
   • Effects - Use the options in the "Effects" section in the menu bar at the top to select a text animation for your caption. Mouse over one of the options to preview it. Click it to apply the effect.
6. Add credits. To add credits, click Credits under the Home tab to add a new video clip for credits at the end of the clip. Then type your credits.
   
7. Edit your credits. To edit your credits, double-click the credits video clip at the end of your movie. Then use one of the following options to edit your credits:
   
   • Edit the text - To edit the text in your credits, double-click the pink bar below the credits clip. Then use the keyboard to edit the text.
   • Background color - To change the background color of your credits, click Background color in the menu bar at the top. Then click one of the colored swatches to pick a background color.
   • Duration - To edit the time duration of the credits, use the box next to "Duration" to enter how long (in seconds) you want the credits to last.

[Edit]Adding Effects and Transitions

1. Click the clip you want to add an effect or transition to. Click on any clip in the Project window to
   
2. Click the tab. It's the third tab in the menu bar at the top.
   
3. Add a transition. Transitions are visual effects that happen at the beginning and/or end of a video clip. There are a variety of transitions in the "Transitions" section in the menu bar at the Use the arrow buttons on the side of the section to scroll through all the transitions. Mouse over a transition to preview it. Double-click it to apply it to the video clip.
   
   • To adjust the time duration of the transition, enter the time (in seconds) next to "Duration" to the right of the Transitions box.
   • You can also click Apply to all to the right of the "Transitions" section to apply the transition to all video clips in your project.
4. Add a pan and zoom effect. Pan and zoom effects are useful on still images. The camera will either scroll over the image, or zoom in on it. To add a pan and zoom effect, click an image or video clip in your Project window. Mouse over one of the effects in the "Pan and zoom" section to preview the effect. Click on it to apply the effect.
   
   • Click Apply to all to the right of the "Pan and zoom" section to apply the effect to all videos and images in your project.
5. Click the tab. It's the fourth tab at the top of the page.
   
6. Click the video clip you want to apply a visual effect to. You can click any image or video clip in your Project window.
   
7. Add a visual effect. Visual effects allow you to change the color and look of a clip. You can make it black and white, sepia, or apply other color and visual effects. Mouse over an effect in the "Effects" section to preview the effect. Use the arrow keys next to the section to scroll through all the effects. Click and effect to apply it.
   
   • Click Apply to All to the right of the box to apply the effect to all clips and images in your project.
8. Adjust the clip brightness. If you want to adjust the brightness of a clip, click Brightness next to "Effects" box. Then use the slider bar to adjust the brightness of the clip.
   

[Edit]Saving the Movie

1. Preview your movie. Click the "Play" button below the movie preview window on the left side of the window. If your movie looks the way you want it to, you're ready to save the movie.
   
   • If the movie needs finessing, make any adjustments that are necessary before you continue.
   • During the editing process, your music may end up off-beat or too short; if so, make sure that your music is properly edited to compensate before proceeding.
2. Press to save your project. Alternatively, you can click File followed by Save project to save your project.
   
3. Click . It's in the menu bar at the top.
   
4. Click . It's about halfway down the File menu. This displays a variety of formats you can save the movie in.
   
5. Select a save type. If you don't know what format to use, click Recommended for this project at the top of the drop-down menu; otherwise, click the format that you want to use.
   
   • You can select the best format for a variety of devices, including large, medium and small Android phones, iPhones, tablets, computers, email, and more.
   • Alternatively, you can click Publish Movie and publish the movie directly to a social media application like YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.
6. Enter a name for your movie. Type in the name that you want to use for the movie file itself.
   
7. Select a save folder. On the left side of the window, click a folder in which you want to save the movie file.
   
8. Click . It's near the bottom-right corner of the window. This will save your movie file and begin exporting your project. Be patient—exporting can take a long time, especially for a detailed project.
   
9. Click when prompted. Doing so will play your movie in your computer's default video player.
   

[Edit]Tips

• It's a good idea to hold onto your movie project files, which usually have the Windows Movie Maker logo as their file icons. This way, you can go back and edit the video at some point without having to start over.
• The usage steps in this article also pertain to Windows 7, as Windows Movie Maker comes standard with Windows 7.

[Edit]Warnings

• As Windows 10 continues to update and evolve, you may find that Windows Movie Maker begins to freeze or become unresponsive. Make sure to save regularly.
• Windows Movie Maker is no longer supported by Microsoft, so security issues and bugs won't be fixed. You might want to consider using Video Editor instead.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Add Transitions in Movie Maker
• Create a Talk Show on YouTube
• Download Windows Movie Maker

[Edit]Quick Summary

How to Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin

Do you tend to hang back, stay quiet, and try not to put yourself out there? Don’t worry – plenty of people don’t feel comfortable in their own skin. But that can stop today. You have a lot to offer, and you have to start putting yourself out there if you want to see results. So how can you feel comfortable in your own skin? Just follow along to find out.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Embracing Yourself

1. Embrace your unique qualities. Feeling different from other people is normal. What’s difficult is accepting and embracing your differences and standing by who you are. Start by getting to really know yourself; what you like doing, what makes you feel happy, and what sets you apart from other people. Then work on accepting that other people may not always accept or understand those things, and that is okay.^[1]
   
   • Think of your unique qualities as some of your most important features. They are the things that make you who you are, and help you stand out as an individual.
2. Take care of your body. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, to shower daily, and to pay attention to hygiene.^[2][3] You may not feel comfortable in your own skin because you’re always feeling tired or unhappy with the way you feel. Taking the time to maintain your health can help you fix that. Take long baths. Pamper yourself. Make sure to eat three balanced meals a day. All of this will make you feel happier to be who you are, and happier about sharing that with the world.
   
   • Taking care of your body doesn’t mean putting on makeup and looking like a model when you leave the house. It just means giving your body the time and effort it deserves.
3. Spend time with people who make you feel good.^[4] A big part of embracing who you are and feeling comfortable in your own skin is being around people who support you and make you feel good about yourself. Dump those toxic friends who are always bringing you down, being negative, and ignoring you in favor of their own narcissism. Work on hanging out with the people who compliment you, care about how you feel, and treat you with care and love.
   
4. Look confident to feel confident. People who aren’t comfortable in their own skin walk in to a room like they don’t belong there and tend to keep a low profile. The next time you walk into a room, keep your head high, smile, and sit in a chair like it’s your favorite comfy chair at home. Though you shouldn’t kick your feet up at a new person’s home, treat the place like your own living room, and be comfortable inhabiting a new space. People will be able to tell that you feel like you belong there, and like you’ve earned your place there.^[5]
   
   • If you project confidence in a new situation, you’ll be much more likely to feel it. Some ways to show confidence in your body language include:^[6]
     • Holding your head high
     • Standing or sit tall with good posture
     • Keeping your shoulders back and your chest out
     • Avoiding fidgeting or tapping
     • Remaining open by not crossing your arms across your chest
5. Learn to love yourself. Truly loving yourself can take a lifetime, so why not start today? Be comfortable with the way you look, smell, sound, act, and react to situations. Work on finding a happiness from within and letting it radiate out. If you don’t love yourself, then it won’t matter how many other people do. It’s just like thinking that you’re beautiful – you have to feel it first before it matters if anyone else does. Give yourself enough “me time” to learn to really love the person you are, to do the things that matter to you, and to quiet your mind so you can focus on what’s right in front of you.
   
   • If you’re feeling really overwhelmed by the world, give yourself a day of silence to avoid television, the Internet, your phone, or any other distractions. Focus on just inhabiting your own mind and body.

[Edit]Changing Your Perspective

1. Think positively. You may think that some people are just naturally more positive than others. That’s not necessarily wrong, but don’t let negative thinking keep you from making a decision to be more positive. If you want to feel comfortable in your own skin, then you have to start thinking about the best thing that can happen to you instead of always expecting the worst. Any time you catch yourself thinking negatively, fight your negative thoughts with at least two or three positive ones. Make an effort to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones^[7] and to expect good things to happen to you; the more you expect good things to happen, the more they will.
   
   • Let’s say you’re going to a party where you won’t know a lot of people. If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m probably going to spend all of my time hanging out alone by the pita and hummus,” you should alter this negative thought. Instead tell yourself, “Maybe I’ll make a new friend tonight,” or “I’ll have a great time catching up with the few people I know.”
   • Positive thinking can help you feel happier and have less stress.^[8]
2. Practice acceptance and improvement. Accepting who you are does not mean that you have to give up on improving yourself.^[9] If there is an aspect of your life that you would like to change, then set goals for yourself to help you get there. You can work for change while still accepting where you are in the moment.
   
   • If, for example, you feel uncomfortable talking to new people, accept that about yourself. Say “I am not always comfortable talking to new people, and that is okay.” Then set a goal for change. Your goal could be, “I will talk to someone I don’t know twice every week.” Next time you’re waiting for an elevator or standing in line at a store, strike up a conversation with someone. These baby steps will help you change your level of comfort over time.
   • Another example that people often struggle with is weight loss. Many people who feel that they need to lose weight are unhappy with their bodies as they are. However, accepting and loving your body as it is could actually help you lose weight.^[10]
3. Compliment yourself. You may suddenly feel great about yourself when someone tells you that you look amazing, or when a friend compliments an aspect of your personality. But the compliments will come and the compliments will go, and at the end of the day, your self-worth shouldn’t depend on what other people say about you, whether it’s good or bad. You should be able to accept compliments from others graciously—and genuinely believe them, ^[11] but you should also get used to complimenting yourself.^[12]
   
   • You can also work on giving other people compliments when it feels right. Feel good about making other people feel good.
4. Develop your confidence. Being confident is the key to feeling comfortable in your own skin, and it’s obviously easier said than done. Confidence comes from within, and developing your confidence means feeling good about who you are, where you are, and what you have to bring to the table.^[13] If you can’t stand what you see in the mirror and feel like you have nothing to contribute to a conversation, then you can’t move forward. Work on finding at least a few things that you love about yourself, and with being happy with how you look instead of getting lost in self-consciousness.
   
   • Developing confidence takes a lifetime. But you can’t start until you make a commitment to start changing the way you feel about yourself.
   • Make a list of your positive attributes. You can add to the list every day, or a few times a week. If you do something that makes you feel good about yourself, add it to the list.
5. Keep a gratitude journal. Keeping track of things and people for which you are grateful can have a profound effect on your life.^[14] The journal, and practicing gratitude generally, can help you feel happier and more confident about who you are.^[15] It helps your perspective become more positive, as it makes you focus more on the good things in your life.^[16]
   
   • Each day, write down at least one thing that you feel grateful for. When you're feeling down, take out your journal and read through it to remind yourself of all the good things in your life.^[17]
6. Think of yourself as a beautiful person. It’s great if your boyfriend, best friends, and everyone around you thinks you’re beautiful, but that doesn’t matter one bit if you’re convinced that you’re ugly. Even a supermodel can feel completely insecure and inadequate, and what you think on the inside is much more important than how people view you on the outside. Know that the first step to feeling beautiful is really thinking that you are beautiful, just as you are. If other people agree, then great, but in the end, it really makes no difference.
   
   • Look in the mirror and think, “Wow, my hair looks great today!” Or, “My eyes look pretty in this light.” Or, better yet, “I can see kindness in my smile and joy in my eyes.”
   • If you start to think you’re beautiful, people will be able to sense that. And guess what? That will make you even more beautiful.
7. Honor your strengths. Everyone has different strengths; the key to honoring yours is identifying them,^[18] then nurturing them. Keeping a positive focus on your strengths will help you maintain a positive outlook and feel more comfortable with who you are.
   
8. Meditate.^[19][20] Meditating can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin because it will help you feel attuned to your body and your breath. Take 10-15 minutes a day to sit down in a comfortable place, and work on relaxing every part of your body one at a time. Focus on the sound and feeling of your breath rising in and out of your body and let all of the noise and worries of the day melt away. This will help you feel calmer and more comfortable with who you are, and will help you get rid of all of those distractions that can crowd your days.
   
   • Make a habit of meditating at least once or twice a day and you’ll quickly be able to see what a big difference it makes.
   • If mediation works for you, you can also try yoga. Yoga also lets you focus on your mind and body and adds movement to your thinking.

[Edit]Making Lifestyle Changes

1. Find your passion. Finding something that you’re passionate about and allowing yourself to incorporate that passion into your life can help you feel happier and more confident. Find your passion by reflecting on your interests, identifying what makes you lose track of time, and thinking about the things you loved doing as a child.^[21]
   
   • If you're not sure what your passion is, commit to writing down everything that makes you feel lit up or energized for a whole week. Don't leave anything out, no matter how small it is. At the end of the week, read over the list, and see if it gives you any insight into what makes you feel happy as a person.^[22]
   • Once you have found a passion, work on it. If you think of passion as a muscle that needs working to strengthen, rather than as an object or a thing you find,^[23] you will more effectively develop your passion.
2. Dance. Dancing can help you take possession of your body, let loose, and feel comfortable with who you are. Various kinds of dancing in vastly different groups of people have consistently shown increased happiness and lower stress.^[24] This can translate into a boost in confidence.
   
   • Not sure where to start? Sign up for a beginner’s dance class. Don’t like classes? Close your curtains, crank up the music, and have a solo dance party in your home. Need guidance at home? Get a dance-based exercise DVD or find a YouTube video of a beginner dance class.
3. Get creative. Being creative can help you improve your self-worth, find feelings you didn’t know you had, and feel great about what you have to offer to the world. While it takes confidence to embrace creativity, creativity also boosts confidence.^[25] Even if you don’t think you’re the creative type, you may end up surprising yourself. Write a poem. Get some colored pencils and sketch a landscape. Take a ceramics class. Take an interpretive movement class. Try songwriting. Do something completely out of your comfort zone and see what you come up with. Getting creative will help you see the world in a new way and will make you more comfortable with who you are.
   
   • Make time for creativity in your life. If you’re stuck in a cycle of sleep, work, do household chores, repeat, you’re unlikely to feel fulfilled. Setting aside time for play and creativity can make you feel happier, which can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
4. Exercise.^[26] You don’t need to have a six-pack or to be in top shape to put some time into exercise each week. Working out for just half an hour a day or an hour every other day will improve your mood, keep your heart strong, and make you feel better about the way you look and feel. Even taking a 20 minute walk every day can help you feel better about getting out of the house, and improve your mindset just by being in the fresh air.
   
   • Choose activity over inactivity whenever you can. Walk 15 minutes to the grocery store instead of driving. Walk to the fourth floor of your office building instead of taking the elevator. These small changes can make a big difference.
   • If you find it hard to motivate yourself to work out on your own, take a yoga or barre class with a friend, or join a team sport. Exercise can be a social thing, too.
5. Make laughter a bigger part of your life. Anyone can stand to laugh more. Whether you’re cracking jokes, hanging out with people who make you laugh, or watching at least one comedy a week, the more you laugh, the more comfortable you’ll feel about being yourself. You can feel happier and have less anxiety, which can lower your stress levels and improve your health.^[27] Smiling more has also been shown to improve your mood and make you laugh more readily.^[28]
   
   • When you’re truly laughing, you won’t be able to stop and doubt yourself. True laughter will make you embrace the moment and feel happy being yourself.

[Edit]Tips

• Get a support system... friends or family who can know what you are trying to do and can be there to confident in if you have a hard time with your goals.
• Your support system can also help you meet your goals by being able to offer advice to you that could help you meet your goals.
• Keep yourself and your goals realistic and doable– this is where people tend to get over-confident and over-stretch themselves. And make sure you don’t start enjoying cleverness for its own sake…
• Don't compare yourself to others. You are beautiful and unique.

[Edit]Warnings

• You are going to have to step out of a normal routine that may make you uneasy but trust yourself and know that it is worth it!

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Be Confident

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://tinybuddha.com/blog/dare-different-okay-break-mold/
2. ↑ http://www.hygieneexpert.co.uk/importancegoodpersonalhygiene.html
3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/building-confidence-and-self-esteem
4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445
5. ↑ http://www.raptitude.com/2009/12/two-simple-tricks-to-be-more-comfortable-in-your-own-skin/
6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201206/the-ultimate-guide-body-language
7. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/replacing-your-negative-thoughts/
8. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
9. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-12-ways-to-accept-yourself/
10. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-j-cederquist-md/positive-body-image_b_4766811.html
11. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/05/28/self-esteem-in-recession-six-steps-to-recovery/
12. ↑ http://www.recovery.org/pro/articles/love-yourself-the-great-compliment-experiment/
13. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/08/04/3-techniques-to-boost-your-confidence/
14. ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal
15. ↑ http://www.gratefulness.org/readings/eight_boosts_gratitude.htm
16. ↑ [v161429_b01]. 13 May 2020.
17. ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal
18. ↑ http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/Choosing/strengths.htm
19. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/shift/201411/overcoming-low-self-esteem-mindfulness
20. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/building-self-esteem/
21. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prescriptions-life/201205/five-steps-finding-your-passion
22. ↑ [v161429_b01]. 13 May 2020.
23. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/finding-your-voice/201205/finding-your-passion
24. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201008/mind-your-body-dance-yourself-happy
25. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/03/13/9-ways-to-support-your-childs-creativity/
26. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/building-confidence-and-self-esteem
27. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22894892
28. ↑ http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2011/10/25/health-blog-video-is-it-true-smiling-improves-your-mood/