Microsoft Photos combines PC, OneDrive and iCloud galleries in a redesigned Windows 11 app
One gallery across devices
The redesigned Photos app brings media stored on a Windows 11 PC together with OneDrive and iCloud collections. Microsoft says the shared gallery is intended to let people view and manage their pictures without switching between apps or devices.
Files can be browsed online or offline. Microsoft says photos remain available on the device when it is not connected.
Editor gains new tools
Microsoft says the editor has been rebuilt and launches 25 percent faster. Its tools are grouped into four categories: Crop, Enhance, Repair and Stylize. The app now preserves HDR quality while editing. It also lets users edit and save HEIC and WebP images without changing their original formats.
Viewer updates and rollout
The image viewer has a cleaner layout and performance improvements. Microsoft reports that it launches 15 percent faster and opens HEIC images up to 30 percent faster; support has also expanded to SVG files.
The updated Photos experiences are rolling out today to Windows Insiders using Windows 11. Microsoft expects to release them to all Windows 11 users later this year.
Key points
- The redesigned app combines PC, OneDrive and iCloud photos and videos in one gallery.
- OneDrive Camera Backup and iCloud for Windows must be set up to combine collections.
- Microsoft says the editor launches 25 percent faster and the viewer 15 percent faster.
- The update is reaching Windows Insiders today, with a full launch expected later this year.