How to Use Background Blur in the Windows 11 25H2 Photos App

Microsoft is continuing to upgrade its built-in tools in Windows 11 25H2 Photos App, and the latest addition to the Photos app is a game-changer. The new Background Blur feature lets you create professional-looking images in seconds—no third-party software required.

Much like Portrait mode on smartphones, this tool uses AI to automatically detect your subject and blur the background, making your photos instantly more polished and visually appealing.

How to Get the Background Blur Feature

Before using this feature, make sure your Photos app is up to date.

Requirements

• Photos app version 2023.11090.13001.0 or newer

Steps to update:

1- Open the Microsoft Store

2- Go to the Library section

3- Click Get updates

4- Select Update all if updates are available

5- Wait for installation to complete

Once updated, the Background Blur option will appear in the editing toolbar, next to the Retouch tool.

How to Blur Background in Windows 11 Photos App

Applying the blur effect is quick and beginner-friendly:

Step-by-step guide:

1- Open your image using the Photos app

• Right-click → Open with → Photos

• Or open it directly inside the app

2- Click Edit image or press Ctrl + E

3- Select Background Blur from the toolbar

4- Let the app automatically:

• Detect the subject

• Apply a blur effect to the background

5- Adjust Blur intensity using the slider (default is 50%)

✅ Your subject will now stand out clearly against a softened background.

Fine-Tune the Blur Manually

AI detection works well, but you can refine the result for better precision.

Use the Selection Brush Tool:

6- Enable Selection brush tool from the right panel

7- Choose:

• Select area → Add more blur zones

• Deselect area → Remove blur from subject

8- Adjust:

• Brush size → Controls coverage

• Brush softness → Smooths edges

9- Click and drag over the image to refine selections in real time

10- Readjust blur intensity if needed

Apply and Save Your Image

11- Click Apply to confirm changes

12- (Optional) Use Add new background blur for layered effects

13- Click Save as copy to preserve the original image

14- Choose a file name and location, then save

You now have a clean, professional-style image with a blurred background.

Bonus: Background Removal in Paint

In addition to blur, Microsoft is also enhancing Microsoft Paint with a background removal feature.

Key difference:

• Photos app: Blurs the background (keeps context)
• Paint: Removes the background completely (transparent or solid color)

These tools complement each other depending on your editing needs.

Why This Feature Matters

The new Background Blur tool brings several advantages:

• No need for Photoshop or advanced editing software
• AI-powered subject detection saves time
• Ideal for social media, profile pictures, and content creation
• Built directly into Windows 11—free and accessible

Conclusion

With the Background Blur feature, Windows 11 25H2 continues to close the gap between built-in tools and professional editing software. Whether you’re enhancing personal photos or creating content, this feature delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

If you haven’t updated your Photos app yet, now’s the time—this is one of the most useful additions Microsoft has introduced in recent updates.