Microsoft recently released a significant update for the Photos app on Windows 11, designed to make photo management easier for everyone. This update focuses on improving the user interface, enhancing how you view images, and optimizing performance for a smoother experience.
One of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned user interface. Essential functions like "Start slideshow" and "Share" are now directly on the home screen, so you no longer need to dig through menus. This allows for quicker access to slideshows and sharing photos with a single click.
The update also includes a dedicated section that groups shortcuts to related apps, including the full photo gallery, Clipchamp (a video editing tool), and OneDrive (cloud storage). This consolidation lets users seamlessly access these features without leaving the Photos app, making photo management more streamlined.
Another helpful addition is the dynamic zoom slider, providing greater control over image size. With magnification ranging from 10% to 800%, this feature allows for detailed examination of photos. Additionally, the update includes a dedicated section at the bottom of the screen that displays the size of the image being viewed, which is useful for managing storage.
You can now also manage photo and video import timing. This update empowers users to exert greater control over the import process, allowing them to determine when new media files are transferred from connected devices. This is perfect for those who like to meticulously organize their photo and video archives, enabling them to integrate new content at their own pace.
The update also prioritizes performance by introducing multi-processing enhancements, resulting in a 2.1x faster viewer loading time. This means the app is more responsive, allowing users to open photos and navigate the app with significantly less lag, which is especially helpful for those with large photo libraries.