How to Resize an Image on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever tried to upload a photo online, only to see this annoying warning:

“File is too large. Please resize and try again.”

Don’t worry — resizing images in Windows 11 is super easy, and you have tons of tools available. Whether you want to reduce image size to save storage, change dimensions for social media, or simply make a picture smaller for email, this guide covers every working method for beginners and advanced users alike.

In this complete tutorial, you’ll learn:

✅ How to resize images using Photos app
✅ How to resize multiple photos at once
✅ How to resize images using Paint / Paint 3D
✅ How to resize while preserving quality
✅ How to resize images without distortion
✅ Online and advanced editing options

Let’s jump in! 👇

---

⭐ Why Resize an Image in Windows 11?

Here are the most common reasons:

• To reduce file size for faster sharing

• To fit the image properly into documents or websites

• To optimize photos for social media platforms

• To save storage space on the PC

• For printing in correct resolution and aspect ratio

📌 Pro Tip: Smaller file, faster website loading!
It’s essential for bloggers, designers, and online sellers.

---

✅ Method 1: How to Resize an Image Using Windows 11 Photos App

The Photos app is the simplest built-in tool for resizing pictures.

📌 Steps to Resize with Photos App

1️⃣ Right-click the image you want to resize
2️⃣ Select Open with → Photos
3️⃣ Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right
4️⃣ Choose Resize
5️⃣ Select one of the preset sizes:

• S – Small (email)

• M – Medium (screens)

• L – Large (good quality)
  6️⃣ Or click Define custom dimensions
  7️⃣ Enter width & height (pixels)
  8️⃣ Click Save resized copy

✅ Your resized image will be saved as a new file — original remains safe!

---

🔁 Method 2: Resize Multiple Images at Once in Photos App

Batch editing is useful for product photos, documents, and website uploads.

✅ Steps

1️⃣ Select multiple images in File Explorer
2️⃣ Right-click → Click Resize pictures
3️⃣ Choose a size (Small, Medium, Large, Custom)
4️⃣ Click Resize

📌 Windows automatically generates resized copies!

---

🎨 Method 3: Resize an Image Using Paint (Classic Method)

Microsoft Paint works perfectly for quick resizing.

Steps to Resize in Paint

1️⃣ Right-click the image → Open with → Paint
2️⃣ Click Resize (top toolbar)
3️⃣ Choose:

• Percentage or

• Pixels
  4️⃣ Make sure Maintain aspect ratio ✅ is enabled
  5️⃣ Enter new width or height
  6️⃣ Click OK
  7️⃣ Save the photo (Ctrl + S, or Save As for a new version)

✅ Great control with simple tools.

---

🖌️ Method 4: Resize Using Paint 3D (For Better Quality)

Paint 3D can resize images while improving sharpness.

Steps

1️⃣ Open image in Paint 3D
2️⃣ Go to Canvas menu
3️⃣ Change Width & Height (Pixels or %)
4️⃣ Toggle ON Lock aspect ratio
5️⃣ Click Save or Export

👉 Best for graphics, text images, and transparent PNGs.

---

🌐 Method 5: Resize Photos Online (Free & Fast)

Online image resize tools are useful if you need file compression too.

Steps (Same for Most Websites)

1️⃣ Open the resizing website
2️⃣ Upload your image
3️⃣ Enter desired width & height
4️⃣ Download resized image

⚠️ Tip: Avoid uploading private or confidential images online.

---

💡 Understanding Image Resize vs. Compression

✅ For the best quality: Use resize + light compression.

---

📏 Ideal Image Sizes for Common Uses

Here are recommended sizes:

---

⚙️ Advanced Resize: Using IrfanView on Windows 11

If you resize images frequently, IrfanView is a powerful free tool.

✅ Features

✔️ Batch resize
✔️ EXIF metadata preserved
✔️ High-quality resampling

Steps to Batch Resize in IrfanView

1️⃣ Install IrfanView
2️⃣ Go to File > Batch Conversion
3️⃣ Select Resize
4️⃣ Set width/height
5️⃣ Start batch processing

Perfect for photographers and store owners!

---

🧠 Expert Tips to Prevent Blurry Images

✔️ Always enable Maintain aspect ratio
✔️ Avoid enlarging photos too much
✔️ Use Lossless formats (PNG) when needed
✔️ For printing → resize using DPI (300 DPI good for print)

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ How do I resize an image without losing quality in Windows 11?

Use Photos or Paint 3D and keep Maintain aspect ratio enabled. Avoid enlarging photos heavily.

2️⃣ How can I resize images for emails?

Use Photos app → Resize → Small (S) preset — perfect for sharing.

3️⃣ Is resizing the same as cropping?

No.

• Resize changes pixel dimensions

• Crop removes part of the image