Clipchamp Relaunches When Zooming? Fixing Guide

Many users enjoy Microsoft Clipchamp for its simplicity and built-in Windows integration, but some encounter a frustrating problem: the application relaunches or refreshes when zooming in on the timeline. This issue disrupts editing flow, increases project time, and may even cause temporary data loss if autosave fails.

TL;DR: If Clipchamp relaunches when zooming, the most common causes include outdated app versions, graphics driver conflicts, hardware acceleration issues, or corrupted cache data. Updating the app and drivers, clearing the browser or app cache, and disabling hardware acceleration often solve the problem. Running Clipchamp in a different browser or repairing the Windows app installation can also prevent unexpected restarts. Applying a combination of these fixes usually restores stable zoom functionality.

Zooming is an essential part of editing because it allows precise trimming, audio synchronization, and detailed control over transitions. When the program closes, refreshes, or relaunches during zoom operations, productivity takes a hit. Below is a comprehensive guide explaining why this happens and how to fix it.

Why Does Clipchamp Relaunch When Zooming?

Understanding the root cause makes troubleshooting more effective. Clipchamp is primarily a browser-based video editor, though it is also available as a Windows app. Even the desktop app relies heavily on web technologies and system resources. Zooming into the timeline increases graphical processing and memory usage, which can trigger instability if something isn’t configured properly.

Common causes include:

• Outdated Clipchamp version
• Corrupted cache or temporary files
• Graphics driver conflicts
• Hardware acceleration issues
• Insufficient RAM or system resources
• Browser extension conflicts (web version)

When zooming in or out, the application dynamically redraws the timeline and media previews. If the system cannot handle the load or encounters a rendering error, Clipchamp may automatically reload.

Image not found in postmeta

Fix 1: Update Clipchamp

Running an outdated version is one of the leading reasons for unexpected relaunching. Developers routinely release stability patches and performance updates.

For Windows App:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Go to Library.
3. Click Get updates.
4. Update Clipchamp if available.

For Browser Version:

• Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version.
• Refresh Clipchamp after updating.

An outdated browser engine can struggle with rendering advanced timeline animations during zoom operations.

Fix 2: Clear Cache and Temporary Files

Corrupted cache data is a frequent cause of performance glitches. Since Clipchamp relies heavily on cached project files and temporary renders, clearing them can resolve relaunching issues.

Clear Browser Cache:

1. Open browser settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security.
3. Select Clear browsing data.
4. Choose cached images and files.
5. Restart the browser.

Repair Clipchamp App (Windows):

1. Press Windows + I.
2. Select Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Clipchamp.
4. Click Advanced Options.
5. Select Repair or Reset.

This process refreshes internal files without deleting your online projects.

Fix 3: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration improves performance by using your GPU, but in some systems it can cause crashes during rendering-intensive actions like zooming.

In Chrome or Edge:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available.
4. Restart the browser.

If the problem stops, your GPU drivers are likely causing the instability.

Fix 4: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers frequently trigger application refreshes during rendering actions.

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand Display adapters.
4. Right-click your GPU.
5. Select Update driver.

For best results, visit the GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest driver directly.

Image not found in postmeta

Fix 5: Test in Another Browser

If using the web version, try switching browsers. For example:

• If using Chrome, try Edge.
• If using Edge, try Chrome or Firefox.
• Use an incognito/private window to disable extensions.

Browser extensions such as ad blockers, privacy tools, or video enhancers may interfere with Clipchamp’s script execution and cause it to reload during zoom operations.

Fix 6: Check System Resources

Zooming into high-resolution timelines requires additional RAM and CPU resources. If the system is already overloaded, Clipchamp may relaunch to prevent freezing.

Check Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Monitor CPU, Memory, and GPU usage.
3. Close unnecessary applications.

Systems with less than 8GB of RAM are more likely to experience relaunching issues when editing large projects.

Fix 7: Reduce Project Complexity

Large projects with multiple layers, effects, and 4K footage increase processing strain. If Clipchamp relaunches specifically when zooming deeply into dense sections of the timeline, consider simplifying the project.

Ways to improve stability:

• Split long projects into smaller parts.
• Remove unused media from the library.
• Lower preview resolution.
• Export sections and re-import flattened clips.

Fix 8: Reinstall Clipchamp

If everything else fails, reinstalling ensures a clean configuration.

1. Open Settings > Apps.
2. Find Clipchamp.
3. Select Uninstall.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Reinstall from Microsoft Store.

This clears corrupted installation files that may trigger relaunch loops.

Preventing Future Relaunch Issues

Once the issue is fixed, preventing recurrence is essential. Follow these best practices:

• Keep your Windows OS updated.
• Regularly update GPU drivers.
• Avoid installing conflicting browser extensions.
• Use recommended system specifications.
• Back up projects frequently.

Maintaining system health reduces the likelihood of unexpected editing interruptions.

When to Contact Support

If Clipchamp continues relaunching even after troubleshooting, it might indicate:

• An account-specific glitch.
• Cloud synchronization errors.
• Advanced compatibility problems.

In that case:

• Document the issue (screenshots or screen recording).
• Note when it happens (e.g., zoom level or project size).
• Contact Microsoft or Clipchamp support with detailed information.

The more technical details provided, the faster support can replicate and resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Clipchamp relaunching when zooming can significantly disrupt the editing process, but the issue is usually fixable. Most cases stem from outdated software, hardware acceleration conflicts, driver issues, or system resource limitations. By methodically applying updates, clearing cache, adjusting settings, and optimizing your computer’s performance, stable timeline zooming can be restored. With proper maintenance and thoughtful project management, editors can ensure smooth workflows without unexpected restarts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does Clipchamp refresh when I zoom into the timeline?

This typically happens due to graphics driver conflicts, corrupted cache files, or hardware acceleration issues that trigger rendering instability.

2. Does disabling hardware acceleration reduce performance?

It can slightly reduce performance, but it often increases stability. If your GPU drivers are problematic, disabling acceleration may stop the relaunching behavior.

3. Can low RAM cause Clipchamp to relaunch?

Yes. Systems with insufficient RAM may struggle with high-resolution editing and crash or refresh when zooming into complex timelines.

4. Will reinstalling Clipchamp delete my projects?

No. Projects are typically stored in your account cloud storage. However, always confirm your project is saved before uninstalling.

5. Is the problem more common in the browser or Windows app version?

Both versions can experience it, but browser versions are more susceptible to extension conflicts, while the Windows app may encounter driver-related issues.

6. Should I switch browsers permanently if it fixes the issue?

If another browser resolves the relaunching problem, it may indicate compatibility issues with your original browser. Staying with the stable option is recommended.

7. How can I prevent losing work if Clipchamp relaunches again?

Enable autosave, frequently duplicate projects, and export backup copies during long editing sessions to minimize potential data loss.