Key Highlights –
- Microsoft Photos for Windows is adding AI-powered auto-categorization functionality.
- The feature is currently being rolled out to participants in the Windows Insider Program.
- The AI automatically tags and organizes local photo libraries into four major categories that are – screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes.
Microsoft has announced the introduction of AI-powered auto-categorization functionality within the Microsoft Photos app for Windows. The new feature is currently rolling out to users participating in the Windows Insider Program, as confirmed by a September 25, 2025, post on the Windows Insider blog.
The update leverages artificial intelligence to automatically tag and organize a user’s local photo library. This is intended to improve searchability and overall media management within the native Windows application. Users will be able to search their collection through an automatically organised section or via the search bar. Currently, the categories in this feature are limited to four categories i.e. screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes.
Catching Up to AI-Powered Organization
While a significant step for Microsoft Photos, the move brings the application up to speed with similar features already standard on competing platforms. Google Photos has offered comparable AI-driven organization features for Android users since November 2023.
For #WindowsInsiders – New update from Microsoft Photos with AI-powered Auto-Categorization.
— Windows Insider Program (@windowsinsider) September 26, 2025
Check out all the details here: https://t.co/6CNyaPHz1Z pic.twitter.com/i0xv19myHb
Google’s existing functionality uses AI to automatically group and categorize images, allowing users to find photos based on context and content rather than only relying on file names or dates. By integrating this technology, Microsoft is addressing a key feature gap, aiming to provide Windows users with a modern, more efficient way to manage their photo collections directly on their desktop devices. The feature’s availability will expand to all Windows users following the initial testing phase within the Insider channels.
