For many creators and video editors, CapCut Pro is the go-to tool for adding professional effects and transitions. But the paywall often stands as a frustrating barrier, especially if you’re using the Windows desktop version and can’t or don’t want to purchase the Pro upgrade. What if you could unlock CapCut Pro Windows features completely free, without logging in, downloading sketchy software, or resorting to cracked versions?
This tutorial walks you through a simple, 100% safe method to use CapCut Pro features forever on your PC. You’ll learn how to access your edited videos with Pro effects intact, bypassing export restrictions, all by leveraging CapCut’s own file structure hidden on your system. Follow the steps carefully — missing one could break the process.
This does not work with CapCut’s Mac or Windows Store versions. Only works with full Windows installers downloaded from their website.
Step 1: Download and Install CapCut on Your PC
If you haven’t already installed CapCut on your Windows desktop, start here.
- Open your preferred web browser.
- Go to the official CapCut website at capcut.com.
- Click the download button for the desktop version.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install CapCut on your computer.
Once installed, launch CapCut. You should see the familiar editing interface ready for your projects.

Step 2: Locate CapCut’s Project Storage Folder
CapCut automatically creates a folder on your system where it stores every file, project, and asset related to your editing work. This folder is key to unlocking Pro features without paying.
To find this folder:
- Open CapCut and go to Settings.
- Note the version you are using (for example, version 6.4.0 beta test).
- Close CapCut.
- Right-click the CapCut icon on your desktop and select Properties.
- Click Open File Location to open CapCut’s main installation folder.
- Navigate back one level using the small arrow near the folder path.
- Locate and open the userdata folder, then open the projects folder. Generally the path is
C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Local\CapCut\User Data\CapCut Drafts\0811\Resources\combination
(the number 0811 is actually your CapCut project name).
This is where your project data lives, including the files with your Pro edits saved invisibly.

Step 3: Create a New Project and Apply Pro Features
Next, you’ll create a project to apply Pro-only effects and test the method.
- Open CapCut and start a new project.
- Import any video clips you want to edit.
- Go to the Effects tab and apply Pro effects like Edge Glow.
- Apply Pro filters from the Filters tab.
Note: Normally, when you try to export a video with Pro effects without a subscription, CapCut will block you.

Step 4: Convert Timeline Clips into a Compound Clip
Before you attempt to export, you’ll need to merge your timeline clips and effects into a single compound clip.
- Select all clips on your timeline (Ctrl + A or drag-select).
- Right-click and choose Create Compound Clip.
- Right-click the newly created compound clip and select Preprocess Compound Clip.
- Wait patiently for CapCut to process your video. This might take a few minutes depending on your project size.
This step essentially bakes in all your Pro effects into the compound clip, bypassing the export restriction.

Step 5: Retrieve Your Edited Video from CapCut’s Project Folder
After preprocessing completes, minimize CapCut and return to the project folder you located earlier.
- Inside the projects folder, open the folder that matches your project’s name (visible in CapCut’s project window).
- Open the resources folder, then the combination folder inside it.
- You will find your edited video here, complete with all the “Pro-effects” applied.
- Open and verify your video plays correctly with the Pro features intact.
This file is your final export, fully unlocked without ever paying for CapCut Pro or logging in.

Why This Method Works and Why It’s Safe
This technique leverages the way CapCut internally processes and stores your project data. Instead of exporting through the app’s interface — which requires a Pro subscription for premium features — you access the preprocessed video file directly from CapCut’s project folders.
Importantly, this method:
- Does not require any hacks, cracked software, or third-party downloads
- Works on all versions of CapCut for Windows
- Requires no login or account subscription
- Is 100% safe and secure for your PC
Conclusion
With this straightforward approach, you can unlock the full power of CapCut Pro Windows features for free, forever. No more paywalls blocking your creativity. Simply create your project, apply Pro effects, convert your timeline into a compound clip, preprocess it, and retrieve your fully edited video from CapCut’s hidden folders.
Here is the 7-day free Pro offer should you want to avoid following this path and use CapCut with a subscription.
Try it out and level up your video editing without spending a dime or risking your computer’s security.
FAQ
Q: Does this method require me to log in to CapCut?
No. You don’t need to log in or create an account. This method works entirely offline using files stored locally on your PC.
Q: Will this work on all versions of CapCut for Windows?
Yes, it works on every version you have installed from the website, including beta versions. It will not work if you download it from the Windows Store.
Q: Is using this method legal?
You are accessing and using files created by CapCut on your device, so it is safe and legal. It does not involve cracking or modifying the app.
Q: Can I use this method on Mac or mobile versions?
This tutorial is specific to the Windows desktop version of CapCut due to the folder structure and file access methods.
Q: What if I can’t find my project folder?
Follow Step 2 carefully to locate the userdata and projects folder. If you have trouble, try right clicking the CapCut shortcut and selecting “Open file location” to navigate to the correct directory.
Unlocking CapCut Pro features on Windows has never been easier or safer. Happy editing!
10 comments
Tauseef Ahmad
Capcut now encrypts video file, this methods does not works on latest version,older version may still do the trick.
Ruhani Rabin
That is not correct, I have tested CapCut latest downloaded from their website. Version 7.1x as of now i am commenting – installed capcut into windows 11 using installer from website – NOT from microsoft store. And in the appdata folder like this
c:\users\test\appdata\Local\CapCut\User Data\Projects\com.lveditor.draft\0920 (1)\Resources\combination\
– note – after the project folder and after doing pre rendering of compound clip – the video is under the COMBINATION folder with unencrypted video. Screenshot – https://imgur.com/a/1l6t6knThis process does not work with Microsoft store version. Only works with CapCut independently installed from their website. CapCut Sept 2025 build screenshot – https://imgur.com/a/g9Ruwel
Tauseef Ahmad
Only first two or three videos then encryption starts automatically. I tested myself.
Ruhani Rabin
first two or three videos in a project or separate projects? If it is per project, you can make new projects for each, but it is a hassle. I am sure they got to know about this trick and trying to put a block into it.
Shams
It doesn’t work for me I am using latest version from microsoft store
Ruhani Rabin
The Microsoft Store version would not work. Download windows installer (not microsoft store) from capcut website https://www.capcut.com/tools/desktop-video-editor
Baha
I found the file but i cant seem to open it , it says that the file is encrpted or the format is incorrect or its corrupted pls help
Ruhani Rabin
Hi this only works on Windows. As I have tested again, for me the file was not encrypted. I can usually play the file, and the thumbnail is shown on the explorer.
Mawar Yatni
My pre process file cannot be opened by any methods that i’m aware of. My guess is it’s encrypted somehow. Is it the new security system that capcut added in the latest version?
Ruhani Rabin
Hi, it still works as of v6.8.1 (windows 11) –
1. Check your capcut settings – see where is your drafts folder located then see the example below
2.
capcut-drafts\CapCut Drafts\0811\Resources\combination
– here 0811 is the project name you saved. you will find the pre rendered file here.do not forget to pre process your compound clip