If you just need a PNG fast, Windows can do it in a few clicks—no converter websites required. PNG is a lossless format and can include an alpha (transparency) channel, which is why it’s often used for logos, graphics, and overlays.
Best for most people (offline): Paint → File → Save as → PNG
PCWorld
Fastest power method: PowerToys → Advanced Paste → Paste as .png file (runs locally)
Method 1: Convert JPG to PNG in Microsoft Paint
Best when: you want a simple, reliable offline conversion.
Steps
Right-click your JPG → Open with → Paint
- Click File
- Choose Save as → PNG picture
- PCWorld
- Pick a folder, name the file, and click Save
Tip: After saving, check the file ends in .png in File Explorer.
Screenshot to add: Paint File → Save as → PNG picture” menu (original screenshot = strong quality signal).
Method 2: Convert JPG to PNG using the Windows Photos app
Best when: you already open images in Photos and want a quick Save as copy.
Photos has a Save as file type flow that commonly defaults to PNG in Windows 11, based on user reports in Microsoft Q&A.
Steps (typical Photos layout)
- Open the JPG in Photos
- Click the … (More) menu
- Choose Save as / Save as copy (wording varies by version)
- In Save as type, pick PNG (or confirm PNG is selected)
- Microsoft Learn
- Save to your folder
Reality check: Photos’ conversion workflow is straightforward but not very customizable (limited control over quality/compression and batch behavior).
Screenshot to add: Photos “Save as” dialog showing file type dropdown.
Method 3: Fastest — Convert via PowerToys Advanced Paste (Paste as .png file)
Best when: you want the quickest workflow or you’re converting images you’ve copied (clipboard).
PowerToys Advanced Paste supports Paste as file actions including Paste as .png file and the feature runs locally.
Steps
Copy the image:
- From File Explorer (copy the image), or
- Copy an image from Snipping Tool / a webpage / another app
- Open Advanced Paste (default shortcut: Win + Shift + V)
- Choose Paste as .png file
- Paste into the folder/app you want (File Explorer works great)
Pro tip (big productivity win)
In PowerToys settings, enable Paste as file actions and set a direct shortcut specifically for Paste as .png file.
Screenshot to add: Advanced Paste window showing Paste as .png file.
Important clarification: Does PowerToys Image Resizer convert JPG to PNG?
Not as a normal converter. Image Resizer is mainly for bulk resizing. It has a fallback encoder only when a file can’t be saved in its original format—and Microsoft explicitly notes it isn’t a file type conversion tool.
FAQs
Does converting JPG to PNG improve quality?
It won’t magically restore detail already lost in JPG compression. But saving as PNG can prevent additional quality loss if you’ll edit and resave multiple times (PNG is lossless).
Why is my PNG file bigger than the JPG?
PNG is lossless and may store more information (and optionally transparency), so file sizes often increase.
How do I make a transparent PNG from a JPG?
A JPG doesn’t contain transparency. You need to remove the background in an editor, then export PNG (which supports alpha).
What’s the fastest way on Windows?
PowerToys Advanced Paste → Paste as .png file is typically the fastest once set up.
Is it safe to use online converters?
For sensitive images, prefer offline methods (Paint/Photos/PowerToys). PowerToys Advanced Paste processing happens locally.