How to Compress Images in Windows 11 for Sharing
Image compression in Windows 11 reduces file size for easier sharing.
This process makes your pictures smaller, so they send faster through email or online and take up less storage space on your computer. For example, a large photo might shrink from 5MB down to less than 1MB.
Windows 11 includes tools to do this without needing to download extra software. This helps when you want to send photos quickly or save space.
You can compress images in Windows 11 by right-clicking a file, selecting Share, then choosing a quality option like High, Medium, or Low from the sharing window’s More options. This built-in feature reduces file size for easier sharing. Enable it first with ViVeTool if needed.
Why Compress Images?
When you compress an image, you reduce its file size. Smaller files send faster over email or messaging apps. They also take up less storage space on your devices. Windows 11 makes this happen by letting you choose how much you want to compress.
What’s New in 🪟 Windows 11?
Windows 11 now has a built-in way to compress images when you share them, helping you reduce file size. You can pick between High, Medium, or Low quality settings to make your pictures smaller. This new image compression feature is a handy addition for sharing photos and files easily.
Step 1Enable the Compression Feature with ViVeTool
To access the new image compression feature in Windows 11, you’ll first need to enable it . This is done using a tool called ViVeTool, which helps unlock hidden or new Windows features. You’ll need to open Windows Terminal with administrator privileges and run a specific command to activate this image compression option.
- Download and learn how to use ViVeTool here: How to enable hidden features with ViVeTool
- 🔒 ADMIN REQUIRED: Open the Windows Terminal app as an administrator. Click the Start button and type “Windows Terminal.” Right-click the result and choose Run as administrator. Need help? Check here: Open Windows Terminal as admin
- In the terminal, type this command and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:55390938 - Restart your computer to apply the change.
Step 2Compress Images When Sharing
Once you’ve enabled the feature, compressing images in Windows 11 when you share them is possible. Find the image file you want to send, then right-click it and choose ‘Share.’ In the sharing window that appears, look for ‘More options’ and select the quality level you want, such as High, Medium, or Low.
- Find the image file you want to share (like a photo or screenshot).
- Right-click on the image file.
- Choose Share from the menu.
- In the sharing window, click on More options (usually a dropdown menu).
- Pick the quality you want: Original (no compression), High, Medium, or Low.
This lets you make the file smaller if you choose Medium or Low. Smaller files send faster and save storage space.
Summary
- Windows 11 lets you pick image quality when sharing pictures to control file size.
- You can choose from High, Medium, or Low compression levels.
- Use ViVeTool and a simple command to enable this feature if you don’t see it yet.
- Compressing images helps you share pictures faster and saves storage space.
Windows 11 now lets you control image file sizes when sharing your pictures by choosing between High, Medium, or Low compression levels. If you don’t see this option yet, you can use ViVeTool and a specific command to enable it . Compressing images helps you share pictures faster and saves valuable storage space.
How to decrease image file size in 🪟 Windows 11?
The ‘Low’ setting is good for profile pictures and thumbnails, offering a resolution of 682×384 pixels and an approximate file size of 357.1 KB.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 have a compression tool?
Windows 11 includes a built-in tool for compressing (zipping) and extracting (unzipping) files and folders. You won’t need extra software or complex commands for this.
How do I reduce the MB of a picture in Windows?
Options in Microsoft Picture Manager let you reduce both file size and picture dimensions, depending on where you plan to use the image, like on web pages or in emails. Select the picture you want to compress. Click the Picture Tools Format tab, and then click Compress Pictures.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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