Microsoft Redesigns Windows 11 Photos App to Merge PC, OneDrive and iCloud Galleries
Microsoft has redesigned the Photos app in Windows 11, bringing images and videos from a PC, OneDrive and iCloud into one gallery. The update is rolling out to Windows Insiders now, with a full release for all users expected later this year.
Microsoft has released a redesigned version of the Photos app for Windows 11, its desktop operating system. The new version shows pictures and videos stored on a PC, in Microsoft's OneDrive cloud service and in Apple's iCloud together in a single gallery. The company says the aim is to make photos easier to manage and view without switching between apps or devices. App launch and scrolling performance have also been improved.
Combining the galleries
To merge the galleries, users need to turn on Camera Backup in the OneDrive mobile app on iOS or Android, and follow Apple's guide to set up iCloud for Windows. Afterwards, photos can be browsed by date, albums can be organized and shared, and images can be searched by description or by the people in them. Files can be viewed online or offline, and Microsoft says photos will remain available on the device even without a connection.
Rebuilt editor
Microsoft says the editor has been rebuilt from the ground up and launches 25 percent faster. Its tools are arranged in four categories: Crop, Enhance, Repair and Stylize. HDR quality is preserved during editing, and HEIC and WebP images can be edited and saved without changing their original format.
Image viewer
The viewer has a cleaner layout. According to Microsoft, it launches 15 percent faster and opens HEIC images up to 30 percent faster. Support has also been extended to SVG files.
Availability
The new Photos features are rolling out as an update to Windows Insiders, the program for users who test Windows 11 changes ahead of general release. Microsoft expects to make them available to all Windows 11 users later this year.
