Unlock Hidden Power: 6 Surprising Features of Windows 11 Photos App

The Windows 11 Photos app has evolved from a simple image viewer to a robust tool packed with advanced features. Here are six surprising capabilities that can enhance your photo management and editing experience:

1. AI-Powered Super Resolution

What It Does:
  • Enhances Image Quality: Utilizes artificial intelligence to upscale and sharpen images up to 8x their original size without compromising quality.
How to Use:
  • Accessing Super Resolution:
    • Open the Photos app and select an image.
    • Click on the 'Edit' option.
    • Choose 'Super Resolution' to enhance the image.
Technical Insight:
  • NPU Utilization: This feature leverages the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on Copilot+ PCs to perform enhancements efficiently and locally.
Availability:
  • Device Compatibility: Currently available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 and higher.
Reference: Microsoft Photos update with super resolution begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

What It Does:
  • Extracts Text from Images: Detects and allows copying of text from photos, supporting over 160 languages.
How to Use:
  • Using OCR:
    • Open an image containing text in the Photos app.
    • Click the 'Scan Text' button.
    • Highlight and copy the recognized text.
Integration:
  • Web Search: The extracted text can be used to perform quick web searches directly from the app.
Reference: March 2025 Microsoft Photos update now rolling out to Windows Insiders

3. AI Editing with Microsoft Designer Integration

What It Does:
  • Advanced Editing Tools: Integrates with Microsoft Designer to provide AI-driven editing capabilities such as object removal, background blur, and color enhancements.
How to Use:
  • Editing with Designer:
    • Open an image in the Photos app.
    • Click on 'Edit with Designer' to access advanced editing tools.
Features:
  • Object Detection: AI intelligently detects objects for easy editing.
  • Creative Enhancements: Apply filters, adjustments, and text to images seamlessly.
Reference: Microsoft Photos introduces even more AI editing capabilities with Microsoft Designer

4. iCloud Photos Integration

What It Does:
  • Cross-Platform Syncing: Allows users to access and view iCloud photos directly within the Windows 11 Photos app.
How to Use:
  • Setting Up iCloud Integration:
    • Install the latest iCloud for Windows app from the Microsoft Store.
    • Sign in with your Apple ID and choose to sync your iCloud photos.
    • Access your iCloud photos through the Photos app.
Benefit:
  • Unified Gallery: View all your photos in one place, regardless of the device they were taken on.
Reference: Microsoft Photos September 2024 update begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

5. Visual Search with Bing

What It Does:
  • Image-Based Search: Enables users to search for similar images, related products, and more using Bing directly from the Photos app.
How to Use:
  • Performing a Visual Search:
    • Open an image in the Photos app.
    • Click the 'Visual Search with Bing' icon at the bottom of the image.
    • View search results in Bing.
Use Cases:
  • Product Identification: Find similar products online.
  • Information Gathering: Learn more about objects or landmarks in your photos.
Reference: Microsoft Photos September 2024 update begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

6. Copilot Integration for Photo Insights

What It Does:
  • AI-Powered Assistance: Introduces a Copilot button that provides photo editing tips, image insights, and framing suggestions.
How to Use:
  • Using Copilot:
    • Open an image in the Photos app.
    • Click the 'Copilot' button to receive AI-driven suggestions and insights.
Features:
  • Editing Tips: Get expert advice on enhancing your images.
  • Image Insights: Discover interesting details about your photos.
  • Framing Suggestions: Improve your photography skills with personalized recommendations.
Reference: March 2025 Microsoft Photos update now rolling out to Windows Insiders

Conclusion

The Windows 11 Photos app has transformed into a powerful tool that caters to both casual users and photography enthusiasts. By leveraging these six features, you can significantly enhance your photo editing and management capabilities directly within the app.

Note: Availability of certain features may depend on hardware specifications and regional settings.