Microsoft is redesigning the Photos app in Windows 11 with a new gallery, a rebuilt photo editor, and a faster image viewer. The update also adds new AI-powered editing features and makes it easier to find and organize photos from different sources.
The redesigned Photos app is rolling out to Windows Insiders starting October 15. Microsoft plans to release it to all Windows 11 users later this year.
The new Gallery brings photos from a PC, OneDrive, and iCloud into a single view. Users can organize their photos into albums, filter images featuring friends and family, and search for photos using natural language. Microsoft is also adding a Moments feature for OneDrive photos to help users revisit their memories.
The photo editor has received a major upgrade. Microsoft says it now loads 25% faster and includes tools to crop, enhance, repair, and stylize images. It also supports editing HDR, HEIC, and WebP files. Users can remove unwanted objects from photos and use the Relight feature to adjust lighting and change the look of an image.
AI is playing a bigger role in the new editor. Microsoft says an improved AI model delivers better results when enhancing images and removing unwanted objects. However, the company has not clarified whether these AI features process photos locally on the device or send them to external servers. This is worth noting for users who edit personal photos and want to know how their images are processed.
The redesigned photo viewer also promises better performance. Microsoft says it opens photos up to 30% faster, with smoother navigation, improved HDR viewing, and support for more file types. The new interface puts more focus on the photo while keeping useful details and actions within reach.
The update is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to improve the Windows 11 experience with faster built-in apps and more AI features. However, the redesigned Photos app is still in testing, so its features and performance could change before the wider release.
Windows Insiders can start trying the new app from October 15. Other Windows 11 users will have to wait until Microsoft begins the general rollout later this year.
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