Windows 11 comes with powerful built-in photo editing capabilities that allow you to enhance your images without needing additional software. The Photos app provides an intuitive interface for making adjustments, applying filters, and even using AI-powered features. Let’s explore how to edit photos effectively in Windows 11 and take your images to the next level.
Using the Photos App for Basic Edits
The Photos app is your go-to tool for quick and easy photo editing in Windows 11. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Open the Photos app from the Start menu or by right-clicking an image file and selecting “Open with > Photos”.
Step 2: Select the photo you want to edit from your library.
Step 3: Click the “Edit image” button in the top toolbar or press Ctrl + E.
Step 4: Use the editing tools in the right sidebar to make adjustments. Some key features include:
- Crop & rotate: Resize or reframe your image
- Adjustments: Tweak brightness, contrast, saturation, and more
- Filters: Apply preset looks to change the mood of your photo
- Markup: Add text, drawings, or highlights to your image
Step 5: Click “Save a copy” to preserve your original image, or “Save” to overwrite it with your edits.
Advanced Editing with AI Features
Windows 11 has introduced some impressive AI-powered editing tools that can dramatically improve your photos:
Background Blur
This feature uses AI to detect the subject of your photo and apply a pleasing blur to the background, similar to portrait mode on smartphones.
Step 1: Open your photo in the Photos app and click “Edit image”.
Step 2: Select “Background blur” from the editing options.
Step 3: Adjust the intensity of the blur using the slider.
Step 4: Fine-tune the effect by painting areas you want to keep in focus or blur further.
Generative Erase
This tool allows you to remove unwanted objects or people from your photos, with AI filling in the gaps realistically.
Step 1: In the Photos app editor, select “Generative erase” from the tools.
Step 2: Use the brush to paint over the area you want to remove.
Step 3: Let the AI work its magic to fill in the erased area naturally.
Step 4: Make any final adjustments with the refinement brush if needed.
Tips for Better Photo Editing in Windows 11
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Start with auto-enhance: Before diving into manual adjustments, try the “Auto enhance” feature. It often provides a good starting point for further edits.
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Use the histogram: Pay attention to the histogram when adjusting exposure and contrast. It helps ensure you’re not losing detail in highlights or shadows.
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Experiment with filters: Filters can quickly change the mood of your photo. Try different options to see what works best for your image.
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Take advantage of spot fix: For small blemishes or distractions, use the spot fix tool instead of generative erase. It’s quicker for minor touch-ups.
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Leverage OneDrive integration: Enable OneDrive backup in the Photos app settings to automatically save your edited photos to the cloud.
Extending Your Editing Capabilities
While the Photos app covers most basic editing needs, you might want more advanced features for certain projects. Windows 11 makes it easy to integrate third-party editors:
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Install your preferred editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, GIMP).
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Right-click an image file and go to “Open with > Choose another app”.
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Select your editing software and check “Always use this app to open .jpg files” if desired.
Now you can seamlessly open photos in your advanced editor directly from File Explorer.
Windows 11’s photo editing tools strike a great balance between simplicity and power. Whether you’re touching up vacation snapshots or preparing images for professional use, the built-in features cover most bases. And with the new AI-powered tools, you can achieve results that once required specialized software. Give these techniques a try, and you might be surprised at how much you can enhance your photos right within Windows 11.