Microsoft has overhauled the Photos application on Windows 11 with a rebuilt editor, a faster viewer, and a unified gallery. The update integrates local files with OneDrive and Apple iCloud storage while adding tools like Relight for artificial illumination adjustments. The software is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders with a broader public launch scheduled for later this year.
The redesigned gallery gathers media from local storage, OneDrive, and Apple iCloud into 1 space. Users can locate images by typing natural language descriptions rather than exact filenames. The People tool filters photos by specific individuals, while the Moments feature automatically compiles OneDrive pictures into themed slide collections and video recaps. All media stored on the local drive remains available without an active internet connection.
Microsoft rebuilt the native editor on WinUI 3, resulting in 25% faster launch times. The workspace organizes tools into 4 categories labeled Crop, Enhance, Repair, and Stylize. Editors can work directly with HDR, HEIC, and WebP files without converting formats first. The Repair tool uses updated machine learning models to remove unwanted background objects. Through the Relight tool, users can position up to 3 light sources across a photograph to modify direction, intensity, and color.
The standalone viewer opens files 15% faster on average, while HEIC format images launch up to 30% faster. New format capabilities include viewing SVG graphics and improved HDR rendering. An information pane displays technical camera settings, dates, location maps, and color histograms alongside the selected image.
