If you’re someone who struggles to keep your photographs organized, a new AI feature coming to Windows 11 could help.
The new feature, dubbed Auto-Categorization, will automatically detect and organize your photo collection into one of four categories—screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes—using AI-based image recognition. Microsoft says the tool includes what’s called “language-agnostic recognition,” meaning it can categorize documents even if they aren’t in English, for example, meeting notes in French or German.
Once sorted, users can find the categorized images instantly via the categories in the left navigation sidebar in Photos, or by using the search bar to locate them quickly. In a blog post announcing the move, Microsoft senior product manager Ronnie Myers said the tool will “save time, reduce clutter, and make your photo library easier to navigate.”
The new tool is currently rolling out on Windows 11 across all Insider channels, although you’ll need a Copilot+ PC for it to work. You’ll also need to ensure your Microsoft Photos app is updated to version 2025.11090.25001.0 or higher via the Microsoft Store.
The update comes as Microsoft adds Copilot to more and more parts of the Windows experience. Earlier this month, Copilot came to Windows gaming for the first time, allowing players to get real-time tips and context on the games they are playing without ever leaving the game. Meanwhile, Copilot Vision, which debuted back in July 2025, gave users the ability to let AI view and analyze whatever is on their screen and provide natural verbal assistance, something we haven’t yet seen come to ChromeOS or iOS.
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It’s becoming harder and harder to avoid using Copilot entirely: Microsoft’s Copilot app will install itself on all Windows devices with 365 desktop apps on board, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, starting in October.
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