Editing Photos on Windows 11: A Quick Overview
Starting with photo editing on Windows 11 isn’t as daunting as it might seem. The built-in tools are quite user-friendly. Whether you’re cropping for a better composition, adding a filter to enhance colours, or adjusting brightness and contrast, you can achieve great results without needing to be a graphic design whizz. It only takes a few clicks to optimise your images for personal use or professional projects. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get it done.
Getting Started with Photo Editing
The first step? Launch the Photos app. It’s your go-to for quick edits and viewing images, so there’s no need for extra software for basic tasks. Just select a photo from your collection, click on it, and you’re in editing mode. You’ll see all the tools laid out clearly — the more you explore, the better you’ll understand each feature.
Open the Photos App
Accessing Photos is straightforward. Click the Start button and type Photos, or press Windows + S to search for it. It’s pre-installed with Windows 11, so it should be ready to use. Alternatively, you can open it via the command line:
start ms-photos:Select Your Image
Once the app is open, browse or search for the picture you want to edit. If you’re in File Explorer, right-click the image and select Open with > Photos. Usually, your images are stored in C:\Users\YourUsername\Pictures. Opening your photo loads it into the editor so you can start making adjustments.
Access the Editing Tools
With your image loaded, click on Edit & Create at the top. This is where the magic begins — cropping, applying filters, changing lighting, and more. Or you can press Ctrl + E for a quick shortcut straight into editing mode.
Pick Your Editing Option
Now it’s time to choose what to do. Crop the photo, add a filter, or tweak brightness and contrast with the sliders — they’re your best friends for fine-tuning. If something doesn’t go as planned (which can happen), don’t worry — just hit Undo with Ctrl + Z to fix it quickly.
Saving Your Edited Photos
Happy with your edits? Great stuff! Remember to save your work. You can overwrite the original or save a copy — the safer option. Click on Save a copy, and it’ll be saved by default in C:\Users\YourUsername\Pictures\Edited. Keep the original safe in case you want to revert later.
Tips to Make Your Edits Pop
Getting your photos looking sharp isn’t just about pushing buttons. Experimenting with filters in the Edit & Create section can help you discover different styles that suit your vibe. Cropping helps improve composition instantly, and slight adjustments to brightness and contrast can turn a dull snapshot into something that stands out. The auto-adjust feature isn’t perfect, but it’s handy if you’re in a rush and want a quick fix.
FAQs About Editing on Windows 11
For More Advanced Editing
If the built-in tools aren’t enough, consider third-party options like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint.NET. They’re packed with powerful features for more serious editing work. For example, GIMP is free and available from its official website.
The Photos App is Free and User-Friendly
Best of all, the Photos app is free with Windows 11. Just open the Start menu or search bar (Windows + S), type Photos, and launch it. It’s ready for quick edits without any extra hassle.
Can You Edit Videos Too?
Absolutely! The Photos app also includes basic video editing tools. You can trim clips with a simple right-click, making it a handy all-in-one app for simple projects.
What if I Overwrote the Original?
If you accidentally saved over the original photo, it might still be recoverable. If you have File History turned on (Settings > Update & Security > Backup), or use OneDrive, you can often revert to an earlier version. Right-click the file in File Explorer, select Properties, then look for the Previous Versions tab.
Sharing Your Edited Photos Made Easy
Want to share your newly edited images? Right-click the photo and choose Share to send it via email or social media. You can also press Windows + H for a quick sharing menu, depending on your setup.
Final Tips Before You Start
- Open the Photos app from the Start menu or search bar (Windows + S then type Photos).
- Select your photo.
- Go to “Edit & Create” (or press Ctrl + E).
- Try cropping, adding filters, or adjusting brightness and contrast.
- Remember to save your work — either keep the original or save a copy for safety.
Photo editing on Windows 11 is quite intuitive and allows you to produce results that look great without extra software. With a bit of practice and curiosity, you’ll be turning out polished images in no time. Whether for social media, a hobby project, or professional use, mastering these basics will save you effort and help you get the most out of your photos.