Resizing photos in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Whether you need to make an image smaller for an email or enlarge it for a presentation, the built-in Photos app has got you covered. Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly resized images in no time.
How to Resize Photos in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll go through the steps you’ll need to take to resize your photos using Windows 10’s built-in Photos app. This method is quick and easy, and it doesn’t require any additional software.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, open the Photos app by clicking the Start button and typing “Photos.”
The Photos app is pre-installed on all Windows 10 devices, so you don’t need to download anything. Simply type “Photos” into the search bar and click the app when it appears.
Step 2: Select Your Photo
Next, navigate to the photo you wish to resize and double-click to open it.
Once the app is open, you can browse through your images. Double-clicking an image will open it in a larger view, making it easier to work with.
Step 3: Click on the “…” Menu
Click on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of the screen.
The “…” menu is where you’ll find several options, including the resizing tool. Click it to reveal all the available options.
Step 4: Choose Resize
From the dropdown menu, select the “Resize” option.
Choosing “Resize” will bring up a new window with different size options for your photo. This makes it easy to quickly pick a size without guessing.
Step 5: Select a Size
Pick one of the predefined sizes or enter a custom size, then click Save.
You can choose from predefined sizes like Small, Medium, or Large, or enter specific dimensions if you have exact requirements. Once you’ve chosen, click “Save” to apply the changes.
After completing these steps, your resized photo will be saved as a new file, leaving the original photo unchanged.
Tips for Resizing Photos in Windows 10
- Backup Your Photos: Always create a backup of your original photos before resizing, just in case you need the original quality later.
- Use Predefined Sizes: If you’re unsure about the dimensions, predefined sizes are a safe bet and work for most purposes.
- Check Aspect Ratio: Maintaining the aspect ratio ensures that your photo doesn’t get distorted. This is especially important for photos with people or text.
- Quality Matters: If you’re resizing for print, make sure to keep the quality as high as possible. Lower quality is fine for web use.
- Explore Other Tools: While the Photos app is great for quick resizing, other tools like Paint or online services offer more advanced options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resize multiple photos at once in Windows 10?
No, the Photos app does not support batch resizing. You’ll need to resize each photo individually or use third-party software for batch processing.
Will resizing a photo reduce its quality?
Resizing a photo, especially making it larger, can reduce its quality. Always try to keep the highest resolution possible for your needs.
How do I maintain the original aspect ratio?
When entering custom dimensions, make sure the “Maintain aspect ratio” checkbox is selected to avoid distortion.
Can I revert a resized photo back to its original size?
If you’ve saved over the original file, you can’t revert it back to its original size. Always save resized photos as new files to keep the original intact.
Is there a maximum file size for resizing in the Photos app?
The Photos app can handle most common file sizes, but extremely large files might slow down the process or cause errors.
Summary
- Open the Photos app.
- Select your photo.
- Click on the “…” menu.
- Choose Resize.
- Select a size and save.
Conclusion
Resizing photos in Windows 10 is a breeze once you know where to look. The built-in Photos app makes it easy to adjust your images without the need for any fancy software. Whether you’re resizing for a quick email or a detailed presentation, these simple steps will help you get the job done efficiently.
Remember to always create a backup of your original files before making any changes. This will give you peace of mind in case you need the original photo later. And if you find yourself regularly needing more advanced features, exploring other software options might be a good idea.
Now that you know how to resize photos in Windows 10, why not give it a try? Open the Photos app and start experimenting. You might just find that it’s easier than you thought, and you’ll be resizing like a pro in no time!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.