Resizing an image might sound like a technical job that needs professional software like Photoshop, but guess what? You don’t need to spend a dime or learn complex tools for something as simple as resizing. Microsoft Paint, the good old built-in app, is still around in Windows 11—and it’s more capable than most people realize.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to resize an image in Paint on Windows 11 step by step. We’ll also cover handy tips, alternatives, and troubleshooting so you can resize any image quickly and without losing quality.
Why Resize an Image in Paint?
Before jumping in, let’s answer an important question—why bother resizing?
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To Reduce File Size: Smaller images load faster and take up less storage.
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To Fit Upload Requirements: Websites often limit image dimensions.
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For Better Printing: Resizing ensures your photo fits on a page.
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To Share Easily: Smaller images are quicker to send via email or messaging apps.
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For Thumbnails: Create smaller versions for previews or online galleries.
So, whether you’re working on a school project, business presentation, or just cleaning up your photo library, resizing is essential.
Method 1: Resize an Image in Paint Using Percentage
This is the simplest way if you just want to shrink or enlarge an image proportionally.
Step 1: Open Your Image in Paint
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Right-click the image → Select Open with > Paint.
Step 2: Open the Resize Tool
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In the top menu, click Resize (under the Home tab).
Step 3: Choose “Percentage”
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A dialog box opens.
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Select Percentage instead of Pixels.
Step 4: Enter New Values
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Type a number (e.g., 50% to make it half the size).
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Make sure Maintain aspect ratio is checked.
Step 5: Save Your Image
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Press Ctrl + S to overwrite or Ctrl + Shift + S to save as a new file.
Method 2: Resize an Image in Paint Using Pixels
This method is great when you need specific dimensions.
Step 1: Open Your Image
As before, right-click and open with Paint.
Step 2: Open Resize Dialog
Click the Resize button in the Home tab.
Step 3: Select Pixels
Switch from Percentage to Pixels.
Step 4: Enter New Dimensions
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Type the exact width or height you need.
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Keep Maintain aspect ratio checked unless you want to stretch the image.
Step 5: Save Changes
Click File > Save As to preserve the original.
Method 3: Manually Resize Using the Selection Box
Want a hands-on approach? You can drag to resize.
Step 1: Open the Image
Launch the picture in Paint.
Step 2: Use the Drag Handles
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Click the image.
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Drag the corner handles inward or outward to resize.
Step 3: Adjust Proportions
This method can distort the image if you don’t drag evenly, so be careful.
How to Crop vs. Resize (Know the Difference)
Many people confuse cropping and resizing, but they’re not the same.
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Resize: Changes overall dimensions but keeps the entire image.
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Crop: Cuts out parts of the image while keeping resolution intact.
So, if you just need a smaller section of an image, crop instead of resize.
How to Maintain Quality While Resizing
Resizing can sometimes make images blurry or pixelated. To avoid this:
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Always start with a high-resolution image.
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Use Maintain aspect ratio to prevent stretching.
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Avoid resizing multiple times—resize once to the desired size.
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Save a copy before making edits.
Method 4: Resize an Image in Paint 3D (Alternative Tool)
Windows 11 also includes Paint 3D, a modern upgrade of Paint.
Step 1: Open Image in Paint 3D
Right-click the image → Open with → Paint 3D.
Step 2: Click Canvas Option
On the top menu, select Canvas.
Step 3: Adjust Size
Enter values under Resize image with canvas.
Step 4: Save
Click Menu > Save As.
Paint 3D often preserves image quality better than classic Paint.
When Should You Resize by Percentage vs. Pixels?
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Percentage: Best for relative resizing (e.g., make image 50% smaller).
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Pixels: Best for exact requirements (e.g., 1920Ă—1080 for wallpapers).
How to Resize Multiple Images at Once (Batch Resize)
Unfortunately, Paint can’t batch resize images. But here are alternatives:
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IrfanView (free software)
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XnConvert
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Microsoft PowerToys (Image Resizer feature)
These let you resize multiple photos in one go.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Image looks blurry after resizing?
→ Start with a higher resolution or use Paint 3D. -
Aspect ratio messed up?
→ Ensure “Maintain aspect ratio” is checked. -
Can’t find Paint?
→ Open Start menu and search Paint—it’s pre-installed on Windows 11.
Extra Tips for Better Resizing
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Use Ctrl + Z to undo mistakes instantly.
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Save in JPEG for smaller file size, PNG for better quality.
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If you’re resizing for social media, check the platform’s size requirements first.
Conclusion
Resizing an image in Paint on Windows 11 is quick, simple, and requires no special skills. Whether you resize by percentage, pixels, or manually dragging, Paint gives you the flexibility to adjust your images in just a few clicks.
If you want more control and quality preservation, Paint 3D or third-party apps can take things up a notch. But for everyday use, classic Paint still gets the job done perfectly.
So next time you need to resize an image, skip the heavy-duty apps—just fire up Paint and you’re good to go!
FAQs
1. Can I resize multiple images at once in Paint on Windows 11?
No, Paint only works one image at a time. For batch resizing, use PowerToys or IrfanView.
2. Does resizing reduce image quality?
Yes, if you shrink too much or resize multiple times. Use Paint 3D for better results.
3. What’s the best format to save resized images?
JPEG for smaller size, PNG for higher quality.
4. Can I increase image size in Paint without losing clarity?
You can enlarge, but quality loss is inevitable. Use a high-resolution source image.
5. Is Paint free on Windows 11?
Yes! Paint comes pre-installed and is completely free to use.