How to Compress PNG Images on Windows 10 and 11 (5 Easy Methods)

By admin · Jun 18, 2026

Whether you're a Windows 10 or Windows 11 user, there are multiple ways to compress PNG images and reduce their file sizes. Some methods use built-in Windows tools, while others use free online tools or third-party software. In this guide, we'll cover 5 practical methods.

Method 1: Use compresspngfile.com (Easiest — Recommended)

The fastest and most effective method — no software installation needed.

1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox)
2. Go to compresspngfile.com
3. Drag and drop your PNG file onto the upload area
4. Wait 2–3 seconds for compression
5. Click Download to save your compressed PNG

Result: Up to 80% file size reduction with full transparency preserved. Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 without installing anything.

Method 2: Use Microsoft Paint (Built-in, Basic)

Windows Paint can reduce PNG file size by resizing the image dimensions. Note: Paint does not compress the image data itself — it only helps if your image is larger than needed.

1. Right-click your PNG file > Open with > Paint
2. Click the Resize button in the toolbar
3. Check "Maintain aspect ratio" and reduce the percentage (e.g., to 50%)
4. Click OK and then File > Save As > PNG

Limitation: Paint cannot perform actual PNG data compression — only dimension reduction.

Method 3: Use the Windows Photos App

1. Open your PNG in the Photos app (double-click the file)
2. Click the three-dot menu (…) in the top right
3. Select "Resize" from the menu
4. Choose a smaller size or enter custom dimensions
5. Click "Save resized copy"

Like Paint, this method reduces dimensions but does not perform true PNG compression.

Method 4: Compress via File Explorer (ZIP method)

1. Right-click your PNG file in File Explorer
2. Select "Send to" > "Compressed (zipped) folder"
3. Windows creates a .zip file containing your PNG

Note: The PNG file inside the ZIP is unchanged. This method is best for email transfers, not for web optimization.

Method 5: Use PowerShell with pngquant (Advanced)

For developers or power users, pngquant is a command-line tool that delivers excellent PNG compression on Windows.

1. Download pngquant.exe from pngquant.org
2. Place pngquant.exe in the same folder as your PNG files
3. Open PowerShell and navigate to that folder
4. Run: .\pngquant.exe --quality=65-80 yourfile.png
5. A new file named yourfile-fs8.png will be created

Method Comparison

Conclusion

The best way to compress PNG images on Windows 10 and 11 is to use compresspngfile.com — it requires no installation, works in any browser, and delivers up to 80% file size reduction in seconds. For power users who work with many PNG files regularly, pngquant via PowerShell is the best local option.