Top 5 Ways to Reduce Photo Size on Windows

Photos eat up space. Whether you’re running low on storage, trying to send images by email, or need to upload them online, huge file sizes are a pain. Luckily, shrinking your photos on Windows is easy—if you know the right tools. Here are the top 5 ways to reduce photo size without losing quality.

1. Use Microsoft Photos (Built-in App)

Windows comes with Microsoft Photos. You can use it to quickly resize images:

• Right-click your photo and select Open with > Photos.
• Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
• Choose Resize.
• Pick from preset sizes or set custom dimensions.

Best for: Quick, no-fuss resizing of single images.

2. Try Paint or Paint 3D

Classic Paint still works—and so does Paint 3D:

• Right-click your image > Open with > Paint.
• Click Resize on the Home tab.
• Adjust by percentage or pixels. Click OK.
• Save your new file.

Paint 3D: Open the image, click Canvas, and change dimensions as needed.

Best for: Simple resizing with pixel-level control.

3. Batch Resize with PowerToys

If you have lots of images, Microsoft PowerToys is a lifesaver:

• Download PowerToys from GitHub or Microsoft Store.
• Install and enable Image Resizer in PowerToys settings.
• Select multiple images in File Explorer, right-click, and choose Resize pictures.
• Pick a size or enter custom settings.

Best for: Fast batch resizing without opening each file.

4. Compress Online (No Software Needed)

Don’t want to install anything? Use online tools like TinyPNG or JPEG-Optimizer:

• Go to the site.
• Upload your photo(s).
• Download the compressed version.

Best for: Occasional quick compressions or if you’re on a locked-down work PC.

5. Use Free Third-Party Apps (IrfanView, GIMP)

For more control, free apps like IrfanView or GIMP are excellent:

• IrfanView: Open your image, go to Image > Resize/Resample, adjust, and save.
• GIMP: Open the photo, click Image > Scale Image, choose your settings, and export.

Best for: Advanced editing, format changes, or bulk resizing.

Bonus Tips

• Always keep an original backup.
• Reducing dimensions cuts size fastest, but lowering quality (compression) can help too.
• For websites, JPEGs usually compress smaller than PNGs.

Wrap Up

You don’t need fancy software or special skills to shrink your photos on Windows. Start with the tools you already have and scale up as needed. Whether you’re trimming one file or a hundred, there’s a solution here that fits.

Have a favorite tool or trick for photo resizing? Share it in the comments!

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!