6 Ways to Resize Images in Windows 11

Resizing images on Windows 11 is a breeze once you know your options. Whether you need to shrink a photo for web publishing or enlarge an image for printing, Windows 11 offers both built-in tools and quick scripts to get the job done in seconds. In this post, we’ll explore six different ways to resize your images—no extra downloads required (except where noted).

1. Microsoft Paint

Why use it? Paint is installed on every Windows 11 PC and launches in under two seconds.

1. Right-click your image file and choose Open with → Paint.
2. Click Resize on the Home tab.
3. Choose Percentage or Pixels, then enter your new width or height.
4. Make sure Maintain aspect ratio is checked to avoid distortion.
5. Click OK, then File → Save As to preserve the original image.

2. Paint 3D

Why use it? Paint 3D offers a smoother UI and lets you preview resizing in real time.

1. Open your image in Paint 3D (right-click → Open with → Paint 3D).
2. Click Canvas in the top toolbar.
3. Under Resize image with canvas, toggle off Lock aspect ratio if you need non-uniform scaling.
4. Enter dimensions or drag the canvas handles to resize visually.
5. Click Menu → Save as → Image and choose your format.

3. Windows 11 Photos App

Why use it? You’re already browsing photos—no extra apps needed.

1. Double-click your image to open it in Photos.
2. Click the … menu in the top right, then select Resize.
3. Choose one of the preset sizes (S, M, L) or click Define custom dimensions.
4. Enter your desired width or height and hit Save resized copy.

4. PowerToys Image Resizer

Why use it? Batch-resize dozens (or hundreds) of images in one go.

1. If you haven’t already, download and install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store.
2. In File Explorer, select one or more images, right-click, and choose Resize pictures.
3. Pick a preset size or define a custom size.
4. Click Resize—PowerToys will create new files with your chosen dimensions alongside the originals.

5. PowerShell Script

Why use it? Automate resizing via command line—ideal for repetitive tasks or scheduled jobs.

1. Open Windows Terminal (Ctrl + Shift + `), then launch PowerShell.
2. Paste the following snippet, replacing paths and dimensions as needed: # Load .NET drawing assembly Add-Type -AssemblyName System.Drawing # Define source and target $src = "C:\Images\photo.jpg" $dst = "C:\Images\photo_resized.jpg" $width = 800 $height = 600 # Perform resize $img = [System.Drawing.Image]::FromFile($src) $thumb = $img.GetThumbnailImage($width, $height, $null, [IntPtr]::Zero) $thumb.Save($dst, [System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat]::Jpeg) $img.Dispose(); $thumb.Dispose()
3. Press Enter. Your resized image appears at the destination path.

6. Third-Party Tools (e.g., IrfanView)

Why use it? You need advanced options—batch renaming, filters, format conversion, and more.

1. Download IrfanView (free for personal use) from irfanview.com and install it.
2. Open IrfanView, then go to File → Batch Conversion/Rename.
3. Add your files, check Use advanced options, then click Advanced.
4. Under Set new size, enter width/height or choose a percentage.
5. Hit Start Batch—resized images will appear in your chosen output folder.

Conclusion

From quick edits in Paint to automated scripts in PowerShell, Windows 11 supports every workflow—novice or power user alike. Experiment with each method to find the one that fits your routine, and you’ll never waste time wrestling with oversized or undersized images again.

Ready to get started? Pick your favorite method above, try it on a sample image, and watch how fast Windows 11 handles your resizing needs!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!