Instead of putting all the features in a single app, Microsoft is splitting the software so browsing your photo library and viewing a single image happens in different windows. When you just need to quickly open and edit one photo—for example, when looking at a screenshot, making minor adjustments to a picture, or checking an image attachment—you should use the simplified Photo Viewer. But if you want to browse your entire collection, organize your albums, or search for old memories, then the new Photos app is what you'll need.
What are the differences between Windows Photo Viewer and Photos App?
Just in case you felt one app was too simple
According to Windows Insider, double-clicking an image file will now open the rebranded Photo Viewer. This tool is built strictly for opening and editing single photos. I joke, but it is a lot faster, and good if you're dealing with a high volume of intense formats like HEIC and SVG.
When you want to tweak a picture, the native editor is tucked right inside Photo Viewer to handle quick crops, enhancements, and repairs. It even brings the AI-powered Relight tool to all Windows 11 users, letting you adjust the lighting on your photos without needing specialized Copilot+ hardware.
On the other hand, if you'd rather sit back and go through your own memories, use the brand-new Photos app. Backed by OneDrive Photos, this app combines your local PC storage, photos stored in OneDrive in the cloud, and those in Apple iCloud into one gallery arranged by date.
What's interesting is that you don't need a Microsoft account to use the new app with your local files or iCloud, which means your device's storage will remain offline unless you deliberately decide to sync. The fact that Windows now has three different ways to view your pictures is… confusing, to say the least. So here’s a quick breakdown.
You can use Photo Viewer to quickly open, edit, and make simple changes to individual photos, especially when you just want to check or slightly improve an image without distractions.
When you want to browse, organize or search your whole collection, set up albums, or view pictures from a number of devices and cloud sources you should use the Photos app.
If you are already managing your files and want to preview your images directly, use the Gallery in File Explorer.
The new viewing tools are currently being made available to Windows Insiders, and a broader release is expected later this year for all Windows 11 users, although no date has been confirmed.
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