Microsoft Photos Gets AI-Powered Auto-Categorization on Windows 11
Microsoft Photos is Finally Getting an AI Overhaul
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Image: Microsoft |
Microsoft is expanding its AI-Powered capabilities deeper into the Windows 11 experience. The company is actively testing an exciting new feature: auto-categorization of your pictures within the Microsoft Photos app, specifically for users with Copilot+ PCs. This means your previously messy digital library is now set to be converted into neatly sorted, categorized photos right inside the app. This feature is currently in preview for those enrolled in the Windows Insider Program.
Say Goodbye to Clutter with On-Device AI Photo Sorting
Today’s announcement reveals what many users have been waiting for: an AI-Powered photo organization solution for Windows 11. The native Microsoft Photos app, which often became cluttered and difficult to navigate—making searching a nightmare after a while—is finally getting relief. You can now breathe a sigh of relief as On-Device AI takes the driving seat to tackle this common headache. This new update allows the AI to automatically sort and categorize your images based on content.
Key photos that will be automatically categorized include:
- Receipts
- Identity Documents (like passports or IDs)
- Screenshots
- Handwritten Notes
How the AI Auto-Categorization Works: Visual & Language-Agnostic Detection
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Microsoft Photos on Windows 11 uses On-Device AI to automatically categorize receipts into a dedicated "Receipts" folder. Image: Microsoft |
This powerful new AI-Powered feature operates entirely based on the visual appearance of the image. Crucially, it can accurately detect the image type irrespective of the language present in the picture.
As Microsoft shared in their example: “For example, a Hungarian passport will still be categorized as 'Passport,' even if the text isn’t in English.” This innovative approach effectively removes language barriers from digital photo sorting and organization. Furthermore, this auto-categorization is sophisticated enough to detect your handwritten notes and place them directly under the correct notes category. Kudos to Microsoft for integrating such a vital capability into their Photos App.
Availability and Early Access for Copilot+ PC Users
The newly organized categories will be easily accessible via a dedicated Categories section on the left navigation bar. All your categorized images will be placed under "predefined folders" based on their visual content.
What you need to know about the rollout:
- Initial Categories: The feature launches with four categories (screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes).
- Easy Access: You can search for category images directly through the search bar.
- Current Availability: It is currently exclusive to Windows Insider users.
- Hardware Requirement: This Windows 11 feature specifically requires a Copilot+ PC for its On-Device AI processing.
- Feedback: Microsoft encourages users to “Change categories manually or provide feedback to improve accuracy.”
To try out this next-level photo organization feature, you need to enroll in the Windows Insider Program and update your Microsoft Photos app to version 2025.11090.25001.0 or higher via the Microsoft Store.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this new Auto-Categorization feature for the Microsoft Photos app. Share your initial impressions and feedback on this significant step forward for AI-Powered photo sorting in the comments below!
