How to blur image background in Photos Windows 11 app

This tutorial will show you how to blur the background of any image using the Photos app in Windows 11.

Starting with Photos app version 2023.11090.13001.0, Microsoft will introduce a new Background Blur option for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels.

The Photos app automatically finds the background in a photo and with just one click, instantly highlights the subject and blurs the photo background. You can also customize the effect by adjusting Blur Intensity or using the Brush Tool to modify blurred areas.

The Microsoft Photos app included in Windows 11 is a rich media experience that lets you do more with your photos and videos. View, organize, and share photos from PC, OneDrive, iCloud Photos (Windows 11 only), and other devices, all from one library.

How to blur photo background in Photos Windows 11 app

Here's how:

1. Open the image you want to blur the background of in the Photos app.

2. Click the Edit image button ( Ctrl+E ) on the toolbar.

 3. Click the Background blur button on the toolbar.

4. The Photos app will now automatically start finding the background of your photo.

The background of the photo will be automatically found

5. If you want to modify the background area to blur or not blur, do the following:

 Turn on the Selection Brush tool .

1. You can choose Select area (blur) or Deselect area (no blur) for what you want.
2. Adjust brush size as desired.
3. Adjust the softness of the brush as desired.
4. Using the circle brush tool, select or deselect the area of ​​the photo that you want.

Modify the background area to blur or not blur

6. Adjust the Blur intensity level to your liking.

Adjust Blur intensity level

7. When done, click the Apply button.

 8. Now you can select Save as copy to save as a copy or Save to save the image with background opacity changes applied.

Note : You can click the Add new background blur button to modify the background blur of the image even more.

Hope you are succesful.

Marvin Fry

Update 17 October 2023