Manage photos and videos with Microsoft Photos app (2024)

In October 2022, Microsoft introduced an updated edition of the Photos app featuring iCloud integration. Users now have the option to employ either the new Photos app or the legacy version, depending on their preferences. To identify which version of the Photos app you're currently using:

In the search box on the taskbar, typephotosand then select thePhotosapp from the results.
SelectSettings, and under theAboutsection, selectAbout Photos.
- Photos:SaysUpdatedin theAboutsection of Settings—youare running the new version of the Photos app. This version includes features like iCloud integration in leftnavigation bar.Thisversion of Microsoft Photos app offers a convenient and user-friendly way to view, import, organize, edit, and sharephotos and videos on Windows devices. Users can also utilize the new Photos apptoaccess media files storedon OneDrive andiCloud.
- Photos Legacy:Does not say Updatedin the About section of Settings. You are running the previous, or legacy version of the Photos app. The legacy version still has features like Video Editor, People tab, and Albums. Select thePhotos legacy tab for more details.

This article intends to offer advice on effectively managing your photos and videos using the Photosand the Photos legacy app.

PhotosPhotos legacy

The Photos app gathers photos from your PC, phone, cloud storage accounts, and other devices, and puts them in one place where you can more easily find what you’re looking for. 

To get started, typephotos in the search box on the taskbar,then select thePhotosapp from the results. Alternatively, click on the link below to open photos app directly.

Open the Photos app

The Photos app allows users to view their photos and videos seamlessly.It supports a wide range of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF for photos, and MP4, MOV, and AVI for videos.

To view photos or videos using the photos app:

Once the Photos app is open, you'll see a list of all the photos allowing you to scroll through and choose the one you desire.Additionally, youcan utilize the sorting feature to arrange the list of photos according to your preferences for easier locating.

Tip:For a quicker way to locate the photo or video instead of manually browsing through the list, simply enter the name, date, type, or location into the search box at the top.

You can import photos and videos you have stored on a camera’s SD card, a USB drive, a phone (android or iPhone), or on another device. For more information, see how to import photos and videos to PC.

Related links:

Import photos and videos from iPhone to Windows
Import photos and videos from Androidto Windows
Import photos and videos from camera or USB to Windows

Note for iPhone:If you are having trouble with your iPhone import, make sure your device is unlocked and you’ve accepted the permissions.

Note for Androidand other devices:If you’re using an Android phone or other device and import isn’t working, you might need to change your phone’s USB settings fromCharging over USBtoTransfer FilesorTransfer Photos.

Get more help importing photos and videos from a phone to PC

You can organize your photos and videos into folders, making it easier to categorize and find specific media files.

To create folders in the photos app:

Open Photos app and selectthe Folderstab on the left sidebar.
Select Add a folderand choose the folder name.
Drag and drop photos or videos from your collection into the new folder, or click on the Add photosbutton to select media to add.

Editing photos and videos in the Microsoft Photos app is a straightforward process.Whether you like to apply changes that affect your photo's quality, feel, and look—or you want to add information on top of your photos, the Photos app in Windowsgives you all kinds of options for getting your photos and videos looking their best.

For more information, view how to edit photos and videos in Windows.

Photos app provides you the ability to connect to OneDrive and access all the media located in OneDrive from the Photos app. To enable this functionality, you must Sign In/connect to OneDrive account from the Photos app.

Connect to OneDrive from the Photos app:

OpenPhotos app by typing Photos in the start menu.
Go toOneDrivetab in the left navigation bar.
Select theSign inbutton to sign in to your OneDrive account. Provide the app permissions to access your info.

Note:You can control whether OneDrive is connected to the Photos app under the Photos app’s settings.

Upload the photos and videos from mobile to OneDrive automatically:

One of the simplest ways to copy all your photos and videos to one place in the Photos app is to set up automatic upload to OneDrive of Photos from your mobile device.

Ensure that you're connected to OneDrive on the Microsoft Photos app. This allows OneDrive content to sync to the Photos app.
Then, on your iOS or Android device, install theOneDriveapp.You can download the latest version from your phone's Android or iOS app store.
From theOneDriveapp on your iOS or Android device, turn onCamera Uploadin the OneDrive app’s settings. The latest photos and videos that you take will automatically start uploading to OneDrive.

Once uploaded to OneDrive, those photos and videos will automatically appear in the Photos app on your PC if you have OneDrive connected to your Photos app.  For more information, seeSync files with OneDrive in Windows.

You can access all the media files on iCloud from the Photos app. Here's how:

OpenPhotos app by typing Photos in the start menu.
SelectiCloud Photos from left navigation menu.You will be prompted to go to the Microsoft Store and download the iCloud for Windows app.
Open the iCloud for Windows app, sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID, and then choosePhotoson the iCloud app to view your iCloud media in the Photos app.
Open or go back to thePhotosapp and select theiCloud Photostab. You will be able to see all your iCloud content.

Note:Microsoft Photos will only access your media after iCloud connection is completed by you.You can control whether iCloud is connected to the Photos app under the iCloud for Windows app's settings.

Photos app allows you to copy, move, remove or duplicate photos and videos. Here's how:

Copying photos and videos:If you copy a photo, video, or folder in the Photos app, the content remains in its original location and a duplicate is added to the newly specified location.
Moving photos and videos:If you move a photo, video, or folder in the Photos app, the content location on your device will also be moved. For example, the folder will no longer exist at its original location.
Remove photos and videos:If you no longer want a photo, video, or folder to appear in Photos, you can remove it by right clicking (or select and hold) the item name in the left navigation bar. Removing a folder from the Photos app does not delete that folder’s contents from your Windows machine—it will just no longer be viewable within the Photos app.
Important:
- When you try todeletethe OneDrive media files, theyare sent to your Window’s recycle bin from the folder they came from on your Windows device. Deleted filesare alsosent to your OneDrive's recycle binfrom your OneDrive account.
- Deleting the files from your iCloud Photos synced folder will also delete the files in iCloud.

To learn more about OneDrive delete policies, seeRestore deleted files or folders in OneDrive.

If you accidentally delete an iCloud file and want to recover it, you may be able to do so for a limited period of time based on iCloud’s policies. SeeDelete and recover photos and videos on iCloudfrom Apple for more information.

Previous legacy versions of the Photos app gather photos from your PC, phone, and other devices, and put them in one place where you can more easily find what you’re looking for. 