Windows 10: Microsoft Photos will use AI to auto-categorize your photos

How would you like it if Microsoft Photos automatically categorized your photos? Well, that's exactly what Microsoft is testing across the Insider Program.

The Redmond company's latest experimental feature will allow Microsoft Photos to use AI to detect the contents of your photos, and organize them into various categories. Microsoft says it helps users save time, reduce clutter, and helps navigate the photo library. The AI-powered feature is only available on Copilot+ PCs.

Microsoft Photos will group your images based on visual content. Currently, Auto-Categorization supports four categories: screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes. It is capable of identifying handwritten notes, printed documents, or receipts.



These categories are listed on the sidebar. Users can create categories manually. You can also use the search bar to find images that you want. Microsoft says that the AI model is also language-agnostic, for instance, it can detect and categorize a Passport correctly, even if the text in a Passport isn't in English.

You know, all this sounds very similar to Windows Recall. It also reminds me of Enhanced Visual Search in iOS/iPadOS and macOS.

The announcement is rather vague, I couldn't find information that says the data is processed locally on the device. But since it is only available for Copilot+ PCs, and given the sensitive nature of the content that is categorized, there is a possibility that the AI model processes the content on-device. But, don't quote me on that. Even if it doesn't use cloud services to recognize the content in images, some users may be concerned about their privacy. It's unclear how the feature can be disabled.

Auto-Categorization is available for Windows Insiders on all channels, with the Microsoft Photos app version 2025.11090.25001.0 or higher. The app now supports Super Resolution on Snapdragon, AMD and Intel powered Copilot+ PCs.

I have lost count on how many AI-powered features there are on Windows 11.

What do you think about this feature? Useful to have, or a privacy-nightmare?

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Photos

Hi David,

It appears that the Camera roll feature is enabled in your Windows Phone that’s why your photos sync on your computer automatically. We suggest that you follow the steps below on how disable the Auto upload setting on your Windows Phone.

• Go to Settings.
• Swipe Left to Application Settings.
• Select Photo+Camera.
• Select OneDrive under Auto Upload setting.
• Choose Turn off.

Do let us know if you need any other assistance.

 

New Memorex Mirror for Photos Simplifies Photo Backup

Today’s consumers are looking for simple technology solutions that allow them to swiftly and safely back up their ever-growing digital photo collection. With a quick, one-time software installation, the Memorex Mirror for Photos external hard drive automatically backs up photos when connected to the computer without having to open numerous settings, dialogs or having to navigate multiple menus.

Mirror for Photos is a fast, smart and maintenance-free method of backing up photos and takes the guesswork out of protecting one’s precious memories. Its built-in software automatically runs each time the device is connected to a PC or MAC, finds photos and backs them up. This eliminates the hassle of manually backing up photos each time they are uploaded on a computer. A unique monitoring feature detects when new photos are present and reminds the user to connect Mirror for Photos.





“As people’s digital libraries continue to grow, they understand how critical it is to preserve those moments, yet are often intimidated with the notion of backing up,” said Jess Walton, Memorex brand manager. “Mirror for Photos provides even non tech-savvy users with a quick, simple and maintenance-free method for backing up and protecting precious memories.”

Mirror for Photos’ compact, space-saving design – at 3x5x1/2 inches – also eliminates the need for power cords, thanks to its simple USB-bus powered connection. The product’s user-inspired packaging also boasts easy-to-understand icons that convey product features, attributes and applications.

Memorex Mirror for Photos is available in three sizes, 320GB, 500GB and 640GB, or an estimated capacity of 64,000, 100,000 and 128,000 high-resolution photos* respectively. Mirror for Photos (320GB model) is currently available at Toys“R”Us. Suggested retail prices for capacities are:

• $79.99 for the 320GB Mirror for Photos
• $99.99 for the 500GB Mirror for Photos
• $119.99 for the 640GB Mirror for Photos

 

how do I get Photos to categorize people

photos will categorize some photos sometimes by "people" but not always

How do I make it work?