Winsage
August 4, 2026
Microsoft has begun silently installing the "OneDrive Photos" app on Windows PCs, including enterprise systems managed via Microsoft Intune, without prior notification. IT professionals have expressed significant frustration over this unexpected addition, noting that the app is incompatible with Entra accounts and cannot be removed without uninstalling OneDrive entirely. The app functions as a web-based gallery feature, indexing and displaying photos stored on local machines, but its necessity is questioned due to the existing Microsoft Photos app. OneDrive Photos is linked to the OneDrive sync client, making it impossible to uninstall independently. Users have reported that the app appears in Windows Search results with an 'Uninstall' option but does not show up in the Installed apps page, leading to confusion. A script has been developed to remove the shortcut, but it often reappears due to its connection with the OneDrive sync client. Discussions with Microsoft suggest that the rollout may have been unintended, with an apology expected soon.
