Have you ever had a bunch of images that needed resizing, one after the other? Maybe you’re trying to reduce their size for email attachments, compress them for a website, or make them uniform for a presentation. Manually resizing them one by one can feel like watching paint dry—slow and painfully repetitive. Luckily, Windows 11 offers several ways to resize multiple images at once, saving you both time and effort.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through different methods step by step, from built-in tools to free third-party apps.
Why Resize Multiple Images at Once?
Let’s face it: images can eat up storage space fast, especially high-resolution ones from smartphones or cameras. Here’s why resizing them makes sense:
- Save storage space on your device
- Speed up uploads for emails, websites, or cloud storage
- Maintain a consistent look for presentations or documents
- Reduce load times on websites
Think of it as putting your images on a diet—they lose weight, but they still look great.
Is It Safe to Resize Images in Bulk?
Absolutely! Resizing doesn’t change the original quality (if done properly) unless you overwrite the original files. Always keep a backup if you’re working with important images.
Different Ways to Resize Multiple Images in Windows 11
Windows 11 gives you several options—from built-in tools to free third-party apps. Here’s a breakdown.
Method 1: Use the Built-In Photos App
The Photos app in Windows 11 lets you resize one image at a time, but here’s a trick: you can select multiple images and apply quick edits.
Steps:
- Select all the images you want to resize in File Explorer.
- Right-click and choose Open with > Photos.
- Once in Photos, click the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Select Resize image.
- Choose a size (Small, Medium, Large, or Custom).
- Apply it to each image.
Note: This method is semi-manual—you’ll still have to confirm each image. If you want full automation, keep reading.
Method 2: Use Paint (Batch Resize with a Little Twist)
Paint doesn’t have a batch resize feature by default, but if you’re willing to spend a few minutes, you can speed up the process using a repetitive workflow.
Steps:
- Open one image in Paint.
- Click Resize on the toolbar.
- Choose Pixels or Percentage and set your desired size.
- Save the image.
- Use Ctrl + W (close) and Ctrl + O (open next) to quickly load the next image.
This is better than manually opening Paint each time, but still not true batch resizing.
Method 3: PowerToys Image Resizer (Best Free Method)
Microsoft’s free PowerToys app is a game-changer for this.
Steps:
- Download and install PowerToys from Microsoft’s official website.
- Launch PowerToys and enable the Image Resizer utility.
- Select multiple images in File Explorer.
- Right-click and choose Resize pictures.
- Choose a preset (Small, Medium, Large) or create a custom size.
- Click Resize, and all images will be resized instantly.
This method is fast, free, and highly recommended.
Method 4: Use Third-Party Tools (FastStone, IrfanView, or XnConvert)
If you want more control over formats, compression, and renaming, tools like FastStone Photo Resizer, IrfanView, or XnConvert are excellent.
Steps with IrfanView:
- Install IrfanView and its plugins.
- Open IrfanView and press B (Batch Conversion).
- Add all your images.
- Choose Batch conversion and rename if needed.
- Click Advanced to set custom dimensions.
- Choose an output folder and hit Start.
Done! All your images will be resized and saved in seconds.
Method 5: Online Bulk Image Resizers
If you don’t want to install anything, online tools like BulkResizePhotos, ILoveIMG, or TinyPNG can do the job.
Steps:
- Visit your preferred online image resizer.
- Upload your images (drag and drop works best).
- Choose your desired dimensions or percentage.
- Click Resize and download the zip file with all resized images.
This is handy but depends on your internet speed and may not be ideal for sensitive images.
Tips for Best Results
- Always keep original copies before resizing.
- Use percentage-based resizing if you want to scale evenly.
- If resizing for a website, stick to 72 DPI for web-friendly images.
- For emails, compress instead of resizing if possible.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Built-in Photos App
- Pros: Already installed, easy to use.
- Cons: Not true bulk resizing, manual steps required.
PowerToys Image Resizer
- Pros: Free, fast, easy, integrates with File Explorer.
- Cons: Requires installation.
Third-Party Tools
- Pros: Full control over size, format, and compression.
- Cons: Might have a learning curve.
Online Tools
- Pros: No installation needed, quick for small tasks.
- Cons: Requires internet, potential privacy concerns.
When Should You Avoid Bulk Resizing?
- When dealing with original high-quality photography (for clients or prints).
- If the images contain sensitive information (avoid online tools).
- When you need lossless quality for editing later.
Final Thoughts
Resizing multiple images on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you prefer a built-in option like PowerToys or a third-party powerhouse like IrfanView, you can resize hundreds of images in just a few clicks. Choose the method that fits your workflow—if speed is your goal, PowerToys is hard to beat. If you want total control, a third-party batch converter is your best friend.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to resize multiple images at once on Windows 11. From the built-in Photos app to advanced tools like PowerToys or IrfanView, each method has its strengths. The key is choosing the one that balances speed, control, and convenience for your needs.
FAQs
1. Can I resize images without losing quality?
Yes, if you reduce dimensions moderately. Extreme downsizing may affect clarity.
2. Does Windows 11 have a built-in batch resizer?
Not directly, but PowerToys adds this feature seamlessly.
3. Can I resize images without changing their file type?
Absolutely. Most tools allow you to keep the original format.
4. Are online bulk image resizers safe?
They’re fine for non-sensitive images but avoid them for confidential content.
5. What’s the best free tool for bulk resizing?
PowerToys Image Resizer is the most recommended free option for Windows 11.