The Photos app on Windows 11 is poised for a significant transformation, as Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel are now able to explore a suite of new features. Among these enhancements is the ability to search the web using text extracted through Optical Character Recognition (OCR), alongside streamlined access to AI functionalities directly from the File Explorer context menu.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
In addition to these features, Microsoft is set to introduce a new Copilot button within the Photos app, designed to offer guidance on image enhancement and provide suggestions for framing photographs. This initiative aligns with the company’s upcoming AI event on April 4, 2025, which will commemorate its 50th anniversary, potentially unveiling further AI capabilities for Windows 11 and other Microsoft applications.
March 2025 Microsoft Photos update
The latest update to the Photos app, currently in testing for Windows Insiders, includes a robust Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature that supports over 160 languages. Users can activate OCR by clicking the Scan Text button in the Photos Viewer, which highlights recognized text for easy selection and copying. The addition of a “Search in Web” function allows users to quickly find online results for any selected text from images, enhancing productivity by simplifying the extraction and search process for documents, notes, and screenshots.
Quick access to AI editing and visual search from File Explorer and your desktop
New shortcuts in File Explorer now provide direct access to AI editing and Visual Search, eliminating the need to open the Photos app. Users can right-click on an image and select “Create with Designer” to incorporate rich text, adjust compositions, or enhance colors. Additionally, the “Erase Object” feature allows for the swift removal of unwanted elements, while the “Visual Search with Bing” option enables users to look up similar images and related products directly from their desktop.
Show subfolder images and videos in the Photos Gallery
The update also introduces filters that enhance how subfolder and gallery content is displayed. By enabling the “Show subfolders” option, users can now view all images and videos from subfolders within the Gallery, enriching the navigation experience.
Introducing the new Copilot button in the Photos app
The eagerly anticipated Copilot button is set to bring AI capabilities directly to users within the Photos app. This integration will allow users to share their photos with AI for:
- Photo Editing Tips: Receive expert advice on enhancing images.
- Image Insights: Uncover intriguing details about your photos.
- Framing Suggestions: Improve photography skills with tailored recommendations.
Other fixes and improvements
- In response to user demand, the Photos app will now support JXL files.
- Bug fixes have been implemented for the Image Creator and Restyle Image features on Copilot+ PCs, enhancing overall quality and performance, including improved loading times and the ability to save generated images under different file names.
Extending Copilot across apps
The Photos app has long served as a convenient tool for lighter edits. Over the years, Microsoft has enriched the app with various features, making it a valuable resource for users seeking straightforward editing solutions. While it may not rival advanced software like Photoshop, its simplicity often makes it the ideal choice for quick tasks. The introduction of AI editing shortcuts is likely to raise awareness of the app’s capabilities, as many users may still perceive it as merely a basic tool for cropping images. The new Copilot button underscores Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI across its services, reflecting a determined push to enhance user experience through innovative technology.
