The Windows Photos app has garnered praise for its new AI-driven features, yet it still has notable limitations. Users have reported sluggishness when loading large images, a lack of essential editing tools, and minimal batch processing capabilities. These drawbacks prompted me to seek alternatives, ultimately leading me to discover IrfanView. Initially, I approached this classic image viewer with skepticism, but as of 2025, I can confidently say it has completely replaced Windows Photos on my system due to its impressive capabilities.
IrfanView is a Timeless Classic in 2025
A Lightweight Viewer That Stands the Test of Time
IrfanView has earned its status as a “classic” software for good reason. While its interface may appear outdated by today’s standards, it remains actively supported and outperforms the Windows Photos app in multiple areas. One of its standout features is the extensive range of file formats it supports—from common types like JPEG and PNG to less typical ones you may not have encountered before. It also provides crucial photo details like resolution, file size, and timestamps at a glance, and users can opt for a clutter-free experience by hiding the toolbars and menus.
When it comes to viewing capabilities, IrfanView excels. Users can zoom in and out, pan across expansive images, and rotate them as needed. The option to create custom slideshows is also included, and all features are conveniently located in the View menu for easy navigation. Moreover, keyboard shortcuts enhance efficiency by allowing quick access to frequently used functions.
A Versatile Tool Beyond Basic Image Viewing
Seamless Editing Experience
IrfanView is not limited to merely displaying images; it serves as a comprehensive tool for conversion, editing, and enhancement. Users can crop, rotate, adjust brightness and contrast, sharpen images, and apply various filters, all without launching a separate application. Its editing capabilities surpass those of Windows Photos, allowing for border additions, color corrections, and red-eye removal. All editing functions can be easily accessed from the Image menu, streamlining the workflow.
What sets IrfanView apart is its emphasis on accessibility through keyboard shortcuts. For instance, pressing R rotates right, L rotates left, Ctrl + G converts to grayscale, and Shift + S sharpens an image. Once familiar with these shortcuts, users will find image editing becomes significantly more intuitive.
Efficient Batch Processing Features
One-Stop Batch Conversion and Renaming
Batch processing images on Windows typically necessitates multiple tools, like PowerToys. However, with IrfanView, both batch conversion and renaming can be managed under the File menu. This allows you to convert various file formats, resize images, and modify color settings—all simultaneously.
What really distinguishes IrfanView is the significant control it affords users in batch operations. You can customize filenames with prefixes or suffixes, maintain original folder structures, and combine several actions seamlessly. For professionals dealing with images on a regular basis, this functionality represents a tremendous time-saving advantage.
Enhancing Workflow with Plugins
Transformative Plugins for Expanded Functionality
One of IrfanView’s most remarkable features is its plugin support, allowing users to expand functionality beyond the basic offerings. For instance, the Paint plugin introduces drawing tools for annotations, shapes, and text overlays, while the Effects plugin provides additional filters to elevate image enhancements. Users can apply artistic effects, precisely sharpen images, or adjust colors to their preference.
Another standout is the FaceDetect plugin, which highlights faces for easier organization. Additionally, the PDF plugin enables users to view PDFs and convert them into image formats, streamlining the process of extracting images without having to toggle between multiple applications. A wide array of useful plugins is available on IrfanView’s website.
Initially skeptical, I gave IrfanView a chance out of nostalgia but was soon impressed by its efficiency and intuitiveness. The simplicity of its interface and the robust set of tools it offers makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a capable, free alternative to Windows Photos. If you’re looking for a flexible and powerful image-viewing solution, I highly recommend giving IrfanView a try.
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