How to Edit Photos in the Windows Photos App

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Open the photo you want to edit

    Open the Windows Photos app and select the photo you want to edit.

  2. Crop and rotate

    Use the "Crop" tool to crop to the ratio you want, and rotate the image if needed.

  3. Adjust brightness and color

    In the "Adjustments" menu, use the sliders to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.

  4. Apply a filter and save

    Apply the filter you want, then choose "Save a copy" to keep the original untouched while saving your edited version.

  5. Why is this useful?

    Without installing a separate editing program, the built-in Windows Photos app lets you quickly handle simple photo touch-ups on your own.

The built-in app is enough for simple touch-ups

Without installing a dedicated program like Photoshop, the built-in Windows Photos app lets you quickly handle simple edits -- cropping, brightness adjustments, and filters -- on your own.

Get in the habit of saving a copy

Choosing "Save a copy" instead of overwriting keeps your original file intact, which matters if you ever want to start over or compare the edited version side by side with the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does editing a photo overwrite the original?

If you choose "Save a copy," the original stays untouched and your edited version is saved as a new file.

Can I edit multiple photos at once?

The Photos app itself edits one photo at a time, so batch-editing several photos at once may require a separate program.