Microsoft Rebuilds Windows 11 Photos App, Unifying 3 Libraries and Cutting Editor Launch Time 25%
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Oct 15
Microsoft Rebuilds Windows 11 Photos App, Unifying 3 Libraries and Cutting Editor Launch Time 25%
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Oct 15
Summary
Windows 11 Insiders are getting a redesigned Photos app that pulls photos and videos from a PC, OneDrive and iCloud into one gallery, with a broader rollout planned later this year.
The combined view requires OneDrive Camera Backup and iCloud for Windows, then lets users browse by date, organize albums and search images by descriptions or people.
Microsoft said the rebuilt editor launches 25% faster, preserves HDR during edits, and saves HEIC and WebP files without changing their original format.
The image viewer also gets a cleaner layout and speed gains—launching 15% faster and opening HEIC files up to 30% faster—while adding SVG support.
The Photos overhaul fits into Microsoft's wider Windows 11 push unveiled Thursday, which also highlighted system responsiveness gains of up to 20%.