How to Convert Images on Windows 11 Without Installing Anything (2026 Guide)

Date published: December 31, 2025
Last update: November 21, 2025
Author: Marek Hovorka

Category: Device & Platform Guides
Tags: File Explorer, HEIC, Image Conversion, JPG to PNG, Paint, Photos app, PixConverter, WebP, Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you convert images without installing any extra software. This guide shows the fastest methods using built-in tools like Photos, Paint, and File Explorer.

Windows 11 includes several built-in tools that let you convert images without downloading any additional software. Whether you need to change a photo from PNG to JPG, convert HEIC files from your iPhone, or export screenshots in a different format, the system already has everything you need.

This guide shows you the three fastest conversion methods using:

• Photos (Windows 11 default app)
• Microsoft Paint
• File Explorer (Quick Actions)

All methods work out of the box — no setup, no extensions, and no internet connection required.

1️⃣ Convert Images Using the Photos App (Quickest for JPG/PNG/WebP)

Windows 11’s default Photos app includes a simple built-in “Save as” tool that supports common formats like JPG, PNG, TIFF, and sometimes WebP.

How to do it:

1. Open your image
   Right-click the file → Open With → Photos
2. Click the three dots (…) in the top bar
3. Select Save as
4. Choose a format:
   • JPG
   • PNG
   • BMP
   • TIFF
   • WebP (supported on most updated systems)
5. Save the file

✔️ Best for: simple conversions to JPG/PNG
✔️ Very fast, built-in, no setup
❌ Limited formats compared to Paint

2️⃣ Convert Images Using Microsoft Paint (Supports More Formats)

Paint is surprisingly powerful for format conversion and supports:

• JPG
• JPEG
• PNG
• BMP
• GIF
• TIFF
• HEIC (on most updated systems)
• WEBP (Windows 11 23H2+)

How to do it:

1. Right-click your image → Open with → Paint
2. Go to File → Save as
3. Pick your preferred format
4. Save the new file

✔️ Best for: JPG → PNG, PNG → JPG, HEIC → JPG, WebP → PNG
✔️ Works offline
✔️ Supports more formats than Photos
❌ No batch conversion

3️⃣ Convert Images via File Explorer (Quick Actions)

Windows 11 includes “Quick Actions” that let you convert or resize images directly in File Explorer without opening any app.

⚠️ This feature is gradually rolling out in Windows 11 24H2 and newer.

If available, here’s how it works:

1. Select your image in File Explorer
2. Right-click → Edit with Photos or Save as
3. Choose your format

Some builds include direct “Convert format” in the context menu.

✔️ Fastest method if enabled
❌ Not available on all versions

4️⃣ Convert HEIC to JPG Using Windows 11 (No Extra Software)

If you import photos from an iPhone, they often come in HEIC format.

Good news: Windows 11 can convert HEIC without downloading anything on most modern builds.

How to convert HEIC to JPG:

Option A — Using Photos

• Open the HEIC file
• Click Save As
• Choose JPG

Option B — Using Paint

• Open the HEIC in Paint
• Save as JPG or PNG

✔️ Works offline
✔️ No “HEVC extensions” needed on most Windows 11 devices

5️⃣ Convert WebP on Windows 11 (Built-In Support)

WebP is widely used on the web, and Windows 11 handles it natively.

Convert WebP to JPG/PNG:

1. Open in Photos or Paint
2. Save as JPG/PNG

Convert any format → WebP:

• Open in Paint
• Choose Save as → WebP (*.webp)

✔️ Great for compressing images
✔️ Ideal for web optimization

6️⃣ What If You Need More Features? (Batch, Compression, AVIF)

Built-in Windows tools are great, but they lack advanced features like:

• Batch converting multiple images at once
• Converting to modern formats (AVIF, WebP lossless, etc.)
• Compressing images for web performance
• Adjusting quality or resizing during export

If you need those, use:

👉 PixConverter — Free Online Image Converter
Unlimited conversions, no downloads, supports AVIF, WebP, HEIC, PNG, JPG, PDF, and more.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 11 have a built-in image converter?

Yes. Photos and Paint apps allow you to convert images without installing anything.

Can Windows 11 convert HEIC files?

Yes — most updated versions support HEIC natively.

Is it safe to convert images with Windows tools?

Yes, everything happens offline and locally.

Can I convert images to AVIF without extra software?

No. Windows 11 does not include AVIF export by default — use PixConverter.