Windows Photo Viewer, a classic image viewing application for Windows, does not have built-in features to blur images or parts of images. Its functionality is limited to basic viewing tasks such as zooming, rotating, printing, and starting slideshows.
If you are looking to blur an image or its background on a Windows system, you would typically use a different application designed for photo editing. Modern versions of Windows include the "Photos" app, which offers more editing capabilities, including selective blurring features.
How to Blur Backgrounds Using Modern Windows Photo Tools (Based on Reference)
While you cannot blur an image in the old Windows Photo Viewer, other photo editing tools available on Windows can perform this action. The steps described in the provided reference align with capabilities found in applications like the Windows Photos app, particularly for blurring the background of an image.
Here's how you might blur the background of an image using a compatible Windows photo editing tool, based on the reference:
- Open the Image: Open the image you want to edit in a suitable photo editing application (like the Windows Photos app).
- Access Editing Tools: Look for an "Edit image" option, usually located at the top of the screen or within a menu. Click on it to enter the editing mode.
- Select Background/Subject Tools: Within the editing options, find tools related to modifying specific parts of the image, such as "Background" or "Subject" selection. The application will often attempt to automatically select the background.
- Refine Selection (Optional): If the automatic selection isn't perfect, you may have options to refine it. This could involve a "Background brush tool" or options like "Add" to manually include or exclude areas from the selection.
- Apply Blur: Once the background (or desired area) is selected, look for options to modify it. Select the "Blur" option from the available actions (other options might include "Remove" or "Replace"). You may be able to adjust the intensity of the blur using a slider.
- Save Changes: After applying the blur, save the edited image. You might have the option to save it as a new file to preserve the original.
Summary of Steps (from Reference):
- Select Edit image from the top of your screen.
- Select Background. The image background will be automatically selected but you also have the option to turn On the Background brush tool to display more options. Use Add to add more areas as part of the background.
- Select Blur, Remove or Replace.
Alternatives for Blurring Images on Windows
Since Windows Photo Viewer doesn't support blurring, consider these options:
- Windows Photos App: The default photo application in Windows 10 and 11 offers basic editing, including filters and potentially more advanced tools like background blur depending on the version.
- Third-Party Photo Editors: Numerous free and paid photo editing programs for Windows provide comprehensive blurring tools (e.g., GIMP, Paint.NET, Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo).
- Online Photo Editors: Websites like Photopea or Pixlr allow you to edit images in your web browser without installing software, often including blur tools.
| Application Type | Blurring Capability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Photo Viewer | No | Basic viewer, no editing features. |
| Windows Photos App | Yes (often includes background blur) | Default modern Windows photo app. |
| Third-Party Editors | Yes (various types of blur tools) | More advanced features, installed software. |
| Online Photo Editors | Yes (various types of blur tools) | Web-based, no installation needed. |
In conclusion, you cannot blur an image using the classic Windows Photo Viewer. The ability to blur, especially the background as described in the reference, is a feature found in more capable photo editing software, such as the Windows Photos app or third-party alternatives.
