Microsoft rolls out OneDrive Photos app to Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out a OneDrive Photos app to some Windows 11 PCs. The app automatically indexes images stored on the device, provides AI-powered natural-language search and optical character recognition (OCR), and offers an optional People feature that groups similar faces after users opt in.

The software arrives through Windows Update or through updates to the OneDrive client rather than as a separate download. Once installed, it scans local photo folders and can display images even when no one is signed into a Microsoft account. Signing in enables the app’s AI features, including conversational search and text recognition inside images.

The People feature groups faces to help locate photos of the same person. Facial grouping activates only after an explicit opt-in. The groupings are visible only to the person who uses the device, are not shared with third parties, and can be deleted by turning the feature off. Microsoft treats facial information as sensitive in jurisdictions with biometric protections and requires consent before collecting or analyzing such data.

OneDrive Photos uses on-device processing to identify objects and read text within photos. Users can search by describing items in a picture or by words that appear on signs. Settings allow people to disable facial grouping or stop indexing and processing if they prefer.

The app is installed as part of the OneDrive client and does not appear as a separate removable app. To remove the photo app, users must uninstall OneDrive from Windows. The rollout is limited; not all Windows 11 machines will receive the update at the same time.

Microsoft previously adjusted an AI screenshot tool to require opt-in after users raised privacy concerns. Other companies have been delivering on-device AI models via routine updates, raising questions about how AI features are distributed and installed on consumer devices.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment.