Microsoft is reportedly developing a new dedicated OneDrive app specifically for Windows 11, designed to enhance the user experience with a modern interface that emphasizes photo and video viewing, alongside file management and editing capabilities. This new application was first uncovered through leaks from Microsoft’s own servers, revealing a separate executable file named OneDrive.app.exe nestled within the app’s program files.
Upon launching the app, users will notice a fresh OneDrive icon appearing on the Taskbar, leading to an interface that showcases the OneDrive photo library. This web-based app employs a distinctive design language that harmonizes Fluent Design principles with web aesthetics, featuring rounded menu bars and dropdowns adorned with Acrylic blur effects, all contributing to the signature Windows 11 look.
Innovative Features
Among its standout features is the Copilot functionality, which activates when users hover over files. This feature allows for quick access to a Copilot chat, enabling users to pose questions about specific files or generate summaries and FAQs without needing to open them. The app also includes a gallery tab, equipped with navigation buttons that facilitate seamless movement between various photo and video editing features, such as Moments, Gallery, Albums, People, and Favorites.
The Moments feature mirrors the functionality found in the OneDrive mobile app, presenting a curated collection of images taken on the same date in previous years, all beautifully displayed within this new Windows app. The gallery mode, currently exclusive to this app and not available on the standard OneDrive website, boasts a redesigned layout, complete with a floating menu bar that appears at the bottom when a photo is selected for editing or deletion. While the app incorporates built-in editing tools, many of these tools appear to replicate those found in the Windows Photos app.
Despite the app’s polished appearance and responsive design, questions linger regarding its necessity within Windows 11, given that OneDrive is already integrated into both the File Explorer and Photos app. Microsoft may be positioning this dedicated OneDrive app as a solution for users seeking a centralized platform for organizing their files, rather than navigating through multiple system applications.
Initial impressions of the new OneDrive app suggest it is visually appealing and performs well for a web-based application. This raises an interesting comparison with the Outlook app for Windows 11, which, despite also being a web app, does not deliver the same level of user experience. If all web apps could achieve this level of native feel, user sentiment towards them might shift significantly.
As of now, the timeline for the rollout of this new OneDrive app remains uncertain. However, Microsoft is scheduled to host a special OneDrive event on October 8, which may provide further insights into this promising development.
