Updated Photos App Heads to the Dev Channel

In October, Windows 11 version 22H2 will get an update that includes, among other things, an updated Photos app. If you’re in the Windows Insider Program’s Dev channel, you might be able to test that new app now.

“We are beginning to roll a preview of an update to the Photos app in Windows 11 that introduces a new photos-managing experience to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel today,” Microsoft’s Dave Grochocki writes.

From what I can tell, the new Photos app is mostly about a simpler new user interface and removing the legacy video editor now that Microsoft includes Clipchamp in Windows 11.

But Microsoft highlights the following features:

• Organize your photos with a productive and beautifully redesigned purpose-built experience
• Easily backup your photos to OneDrive and keep your memories safe
• Celebrate a life well-lived with improved “Memories” experiences
• Be productive with multi-window and multi-screen
• Easily view your OneDrive storage quota usage and add more storage
• Import and manage your photos from external sources such as your phone and camera

One caveat: because the Windows Insider Program is terrible, not everyone in the Dev channel will see the app update immediately. Microsoft says it “plans to increase the rollout over time as [it] monitors feedback.” For some reason.