Microsoft has begun testing a new AI-powered feature in Microsoft Photos, designed to categorize photos automatically on Windows 11 systems.
Dubbed Auto-Categorization, it is currently limited to sorting screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes, and it's rolling out to Copilot+ PCs across all Windows Insider channels with Microsoft Photos version 2025.11090.25001.0 or higher.
Microsoft says the feature utilizes a language-agnostic AI model that identifies document types regardless of the language used in the image. It works by grouping photos into predefined folders automatically, based on their visual content, such as handwritten notes, receipts, or printed documents.
The Photos app will help users find categorized images instantly, using the categories in the left navigation sidebar or the Search bar to locate them quickly. Users will also be able to change categories manually or "provide feedback to improve accuracy."
"This release brings a powerful new feature on Copilot+ PCs that leverages AI to organize photos into categories for easier recall," Microsoft senior product manager Ronnie Myers said in a Friday blog post.
"Auto-Categorization automatically detects and organizes your photo collection into meaningful categories like screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes using AI. It's designed to save time, reduce clutter, and make your photo library easier to navigate."
BleepingComputer reached out to a Microsoft spokesperson to ask whether this AI feature sends any information to Microsoft's servers or uses a local AI model, but a response was not immediately available.
Photos Auto-Categorization (Microsoft)
Today, the company has also started rolling out super resolution to AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs, an AI-powered feature that enhances and enlarges images up to eight times the original size.
In March, Redmond added the Copilot button at the top of the Photos Viewer to provide editing tips and offer framing suggestions.
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