Windows 11 deep dive: Checking out the new Photos app

Windows 11 has been available for nearly an entire year and has recently received the first significant update. It's Windows 11 2022 Update, also known as Windows 11 2022 Update, also known as version 22H2. The two versions bring significant improvements to the Windows 11 experience and a lot of the applications included have changed, some more than other. This also includes Photos. Photos application, for instance. It has undergone some changes to its design during the initial Windows 11 release, but it is getting more significant modifications as of Windows 11 version 22H2.

In November 2022, Microsoft released an update that was major for the Photos appthat totally redesigns the gallery view, includes new features and gets rid of some outdated features. Since it's a relatively new update, you might not be able to see the new design immediately on a brand new PC, but just look for updates on Microsoft Store. Microsoft Store and you should be able to download the latest version.

The new gallery view

The latest Photos app will have the gallery view completely revamped and enhanced navigation. The main page of the app shows the most recent photos and videos, but there's a navigation pane that's on the left-hand side of the screen that lists the folders of your computer and OneDrive that will help you better locate the content you're searching for. There's also an area for your favorite photos and two other sections for OneDrive along with iCloud. On the bottom of the pane, you'll find information about the amount of storage is to use on OneDrive.

Microsoft has also taken down the carousel that appears at top right of application that contains content suggestions, meaning it's all about the files you have. The tabbed navigation on the top of the page is gone as well as the title bar. It is used as an index bar and buttons for import of images from devices connected to it and access the settings of the app.

Viewing the gallery looks different today. Photos are no longer separated by dates but you'll still view the date range of the images you're viewing above the photos themselves. The photos are presented together with no visual interruptions. Additionally, there are different viewing options also. New River mode allows photos to show at a closer aspect ratio. However, you can change to an Square mode if you'd like something that appears more standard and tidy. In addition, you can now filter photos or videos.

There are some modifications to the way the app functions. If you click an image you can select it and you must double-click for it to display. By selecting a photo, you gain the ability to choose new options, such as moving it to a other folder or, in the case of locally-stored images, the option to save it to OneDrive. When you open a photo it will open in its own window also, and not taking that gallery's view.

OneDrive and iCloud integration

As we've mentioned earlier there are a few additional sections in the navigation pane's left side. However, they're not significant improvements. The first is the integration of iCloud Photos, which means you'll be able to view all of the photos you have stored in iCloud through the Photos app for Windows 11. It is still necessary to download the iCloud app through Microsoft Store. Microsoft Store, but once you've installed it you'll be able to view your photos here by bringing pictures from your devices more seamlessly,

Furthermore you can also use the OneDrive integration that allows you to access the contents of your OneDrive memories. These are automatically-generated albums on OneDrive that are based on a specific date or location, so you can revisit important moments in your life.

Unfortunately, clicking on a OneDrive memory leads you to your web browser to look at the photos, and the integration is a bit unsatisfactory.

Viewing photos

The user experience for viewing photos in the latest Photos app is largely unchanged from the prior version of Windows's initial release. The image you're looking at naturally takes up the majority of space, and over it, you'll see controls which allow you to edit or remove a photo or save it as one of your favorite photos as well as share it with friends and it goes on. The menu with the ellipsis contains other options, such as printing the image.

However, there are a few visual improvements in this version. The window for viewing photos now makes use of an effect called Mica material, which means you are able to see the colors of your desktop's background glow through the blank areas that the screen displays. The carousel in the bottom has an effect of transparency instead of being completely transparent. Since the photo viewer is now open as a separate tab, the button at the left-hand corner of the top isn't an arrow, it's an actual button that turns into the gallery mode, without closing the viewer.

Editing photos

If you're looking to edit your images, you can make certain changes you can make here, too. The editing options are accessible via the Edit button on the toolbar located at the top of the screen, and are divided into 4 categories: Crop, Adjustment Filter, Markup, and Adjustment. The functionality is identical to the earlier version of the program which allows you to change the crop size, rotation, change the angle of a picture or apply filters to it, as well as draw on the image.

However, some of the more sophisticated features have been eliminated such as the ability to include 3D effects and animations. These functions were based upon the editor for videos within the Photos application, which is not available anymore. Also, speaking of which...

No more video editor

One major change in Version 1.0 is the fact that it doesn't include an editor for videos, and it's due to Microsoft is now able to install Clipchamp alongside Windows 11. Clipchamp is an incredibly sophisticated application with multi-track editing as well as more complex features than what the Photos app had to offer. It also includes templates and stock assets for you to incorporate into your videos. There's a step-by-step guide to how to utilize Clipchamp should you want to know more about it.

Settings

The settings page within the latest Photos app was also extensively redesigned and simplified. You can alter a number of options, such as the theme of the app (if you'd prefer it to differ from your default setting) as well as whether the app will request permission prior to deletion of a file or any other. You can deactivate the access of your OneDrive or iCloud accounts if you aren't comfortable using these features, too.

You can also change the behavior of your mouse when you view pictures, meaning that the wheel of your mouse can be used to control the zoom feature or switches between images. You can also get the Photos Legacy application and you can utilize the previous versions of the Photos app , if you prefer the old version for any reason.

This is all you have to be aware of the Photos app on Windows 11. With the most recent update it's even more stunning than it was previously, it's also more organized, and even is integrated with iCloud and iCloud, which is pleasant to see. If you're still using the previous version, it'll look somewhat different however, you can search for updates in the Microsoft Store to get it.

Do you want to explore the additional Windows 11 features? We've got a complete list of computers that can be able to support Windows 11 features. Windows 11 upgrade, and it is also recommended to look up the system requirements. If you'd like to take advantage of the most recent features available in Windows 11, check out the steps to upgrade to Windows 11 2022 Update.