Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Photos App

Microsoft has announced a significant overhaul of the Windows 11 Photos application, introducing a new interface and enhanced editing capabilities. This updated version is currently available for testing by Windows Insider program members and is expected to be rolled out to all Windows 11 users later this year.

The centerpiece of the update is a redesigned "Gallery" view, which allows users to browse photos and videos from their local computer, OneDrive, and Apple iCloud within a single interface. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple applications. The app also organizes images by date, people, and favorites. A new "Moments" feature for OneDrive content automatically groups related photos into memory collections.

Search functionality has been improved, enabling users to find pictures using natural language descriptions, such as "sunset on the beach," rather than requiring exact file names or dates. The application also supports refining searches by people and storage location. The photo editor has been rebuilt using WinUI 3, with Microsoft claiming approximately a 25% improvement in startup speed compared to the previous version. Editing tools are now divided into four main sections: Crop, Enhance, Repair, and Stylize.

The revamped app includes an improved AI-powered object removal tool for cleaning up unwanted elements in photos. A new "Relight" feature allows users to add up to three virtual light sources to images and adjust their color, brightness, and direction. Enhanced support for formats like HDR, HEIC, and WebP ensures that images can be edited and saved while preserving original quality. The picture viewer's average startup speed has seen a 15% increase, with HEIC file opening times potentially improving by up to 30%.