How to Change Image DPI on Windows

Changing image DPI on Windows 10 or 11 is straightforward with the right tool. This guide covers four methods: Microsoft Paint (limitations only), IrfanView (free, recommended), Photoshop, and a no-install browser tool — with exact steps for each.

Method 1 — Microsoft Paint (Limitation: No DPI Control)

MS Paint on Windows does not expose DPI settings. The Resize dialog only changes pixel dimensions. If you save an image in Paint, the DPI tag reverts to 96 DPI — the Windows default screen density. Use a different method if you need to set a specific DPI for print.

Method 2 — IrfanView on Windows (Free, Recommended)

IrfanView is a free, lightweight image viewer and editor for Windows that gives full control over DPI metadata.

  1. Download and install IrfanView from irfanview.com (free).
  2. Open your image in IrfanView.
  3. Go to Image in the menu bar, then click Information (or press I).
  4. In the Information dialog, find the DPI fields (Horizontal and Vertical resolution).
  5. Click Change next to the DPI values.
  6. Enter your target DPI (e.g., 300) for both Horizontal and Vertical.
  7. Click OK, then save the file via File > Save As.

IrfanView changes only the DPI metadata — pixel dimensions remain unchanged, so there is no quality loss.

Method 3 — Photoshop on Windows

  1. Open your image in Photoshop.
  2. Go to Image > Image Size (shortcut: Alt+Ctrl+I).
  3. Uncheck Resample at the bottom of the dialog.
  4. Change the Resolution field to your target value (e.g., 300 ppi).
  5. Click OK and save.

Full step-by-step instructions are in our Photoshop DPI guide.

Method 4 — Free Online DPI Converter (No Installation)

A browser-based tool is the fastest option on Windows — no downloads, no admin rights required.

  1. Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on your Windows PC.
  2. Go to the free online DPI changer.
  3. Upload your JPG, PNG, or WebP image.
  4. Select the target DPI (72, 96, 150, 300, or 600) or enter a custom value.
  5. Click Convert and download the result instantly.

Why Windows Explorer Shows DPI Differently

Windows File Explorer shows image DPI in the Details tab under "Horizontal resolution" and "Vertical resolution." These values come from the EXIF/JFIF metadata embedded in the file. Windows itself sets the default screen density at 96 DPI, which is why images saved by some Windows apps default to 96 DPI instead of 72 DPI (the legacy web standard from Mac screens).

Common DPI Values for Windows Printing Workflows

DPIUse Case
96 DPIWindows screen default, digital display
150 DPIDraft prints, posters viewed from distance
300 DPIProfessional print — photos, business cards, brochures
600 DPIHigh-detail technical documents, fine art prints

Change your image DPI on Windows instantly

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change image DPI on Windows for free?
Yes. IrfanView (free download) gives full DPI control. GIMP (free) also works. Or use a free online DPI converter at dpiconverter.online that requires no software.
Does MS Paint let you change DPI on Windows?
MS Paint does not expose DPI settings. It resizes images by pixel count only. Use IrfanView, GIMP, or an online tool to change DPI metadata.
What DPI should I use for printing on Windows?
300 DPI is the standard for professional quality print output — photos, business cards, brochures. For web images viewed only on screen, DPI metadata is ignored by browsers.
How do I check image DPI on Windows?
Right-click the image file, select Properties > Details tab. Windows shows "Horizontal resolution" and "Vertical resolution" which are the DPI values. You can also use our free DPI checker online.
Does changing DPI change the file size on Windows?
Changing only the DPI metadata tag does not change pixel dimensions or file size. Only if you physically resample the image (upscale or downscale pixels) will file size change.