How to Rotate Images in Windows 11’s File Explorer

What is File Explorer?

File Explorer 📁 is the default file manager built into Windows for organizing documents and photos.

How to Rotate Images in File Explorer

File Explorer 📁 lets you rotate images in Windows 11 instantly without installing 💿 any extra software. You can turn pictures 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise right from the toolbar without even opening the file. This built-in tool saves time when you need to fix a sideways photo while browsing your folders.

1. Find the picture file you want to rotate.
2. Click once on the picture to select it.
3. At the top of the File Explorer 📁 window, look for buttons called Rotate right and Rotate left.
4. Click Rotate right to turn the picture 90 degrees clockwise.
5. Click Rotate left to turn the picture 90 degrees counterclockwise.

Another Quick Way

1. Right-click on the picture file.
2. From the menu that appears, choose Rotate right or Rotate left.

Rotate Images Using the Photos App

Microsoft Photos (the default app for viewing pictures) lets you rotate image files quickly in Windows 11. When you open a picture, you just click a button to turn it 90 degrees or save it in the correct orientation. This method works well if you want a larger view of the picture while you fix it.

1. Double-click your image to open it in the Photos app.
2. Click the Rotate button at the top (it looks like a curved arrow), or press CTRL + R on your keyboard.
3. Each click or shortcut press turns the image 90 degrees clockwise.
4. When finished, click the three dots (More options) in the top right corner, and select Save as to save your rotated image.
5. Choose where you want to save the image and click Save.

Rotate Images Using the Paint App

Paint (the built-in drawing and editing program) gives you another simple way to rotate images in Windows 11. You can open your picture with a right-click and use the dedicated rotation tools on the top toolbar to turn the canvas left or right. It is a handy backup if your default photo viewer is not working.

1. Right-click the image file, choose Open with → Paint.
2. In Paint, find the Rotate buttons on the top toolbar.
3. Click Rotate right or Rotate left to turn the image 90 degrees.
4. When done, click File → Save or Save as to keep your changes.

Summary

Windows 11 gives you several built-in ways to rotate images without downloading third-party software. Whether you use File Explorer, the Photos app, or Paint, you can fix sideways pictures in just a couple of clicks. Pick whichever tool feels most comfortable for your workflow to get your photos facing the right way.

The Photos app and Paint app also let users rotate and save pictures. Choose the method that works best to fix orientation.

Test this out the next time a picture requires orientation fixes.