4 Ways To Rotate Pictures In Windows 11

Windows 11 offers multiple ways to rotate images. We can use File Explorer, the Photos app, or the Paint app to change the orientation of pictures.

In addition to these inbox apps, plenty of third-party tools and online services are out there to help you rotate images. Most of the apps that allow you to view picture files support rotating pictures as well. But why use third-party software when you can change orientation using inbox apps?

This guide shows you how to rotate picture files without using third-party tools in Windows 11.

Method 1 of 4

Rotate images via File Explorer in Windows 11

Step 1: Open the File Explorer and navigate to the folder where your photos are saved.

Step 2: Select the photo(s) you want to rotate. After selecting the photo, click the Rotate left or Rotate right option on the toolbar.

Please note that the Rotate left and Rotate right options do not appear unless you select a picture file. So, select an image file first.

If you cannot see Rotate left and right options even after selecting an image file, click the three dots in the toolbar to see those options.

Method 2 of 4

Another way to rotate pictures from File Explorer in Windows 11

Step 1: Navigate to the folder where your pictures are present.

Step 2: Right-click on the picture file that you want to rotate and then click Rotate left or Rotate right option. Needless to say you can select multiple pictures at a time and rotate them. The new orientation will be automatically saved.

Method 3 of 4

Use the inbox Photos app to rotate images in Windows 11

Step 1: Open the picture whose orientation you would like to change with the Photos app by double-clicking on the image file.

If the Photos app is not the default picture viewer, right-click on the image file, click Open with, and then click Photos app. And if the Photos app is missing, you can install the Photos app from Microsoft Store for free.

Step 2: Once the picture file is open in the Photos app, click the Rotate button in the toolbar (or Ctrl + R) to rotate the picture file by 90 degrees. You might need to click the Rotate button multiple times, depending on your requirements. The new orientation will be automatically saved.

Method 4 of 4

Use the inbox Paint app to rotate pictures in Windows 11

Step 1: Right-click on the picture you want to rotate, click Open with, and then click Paint to open the picture file with the Paint app.

Step 2: In the Image section of the Paint app toolbar, click the down arrow next to the rotate icon (refer to the picture below) and select Rotate right 90 degree, Rotate left 90 degree, or Rotate 180 degree option to rotate the picture file.

Step 3: Once done, click the File menu and then click Save. If you wish to save it as a new file, click the File menu and then click the Save as option. Type a name for the new picture, select a location, and then click the Save button.

Our guide on rotating PDF files in Windows 11/10 guide might also interest you.