Microsoft is preparing a significant update to the OneDrive application for Windows 11, introducing a modernized interface, enhanced photo and video management capabilities, and deep integration of the Copilot AI assistant. The company plans to unveil the new experience as early as October 8 at a dedicated OneDrive event. Here are the details.
Advertisеment
A New OneDrive Interface Built for Windows 11
The updated OneDrive app adopts a visual language that merges Fluent Design principles with modern web technologies. Rounded panels, contextual drop-down menus, and the signature Acrylic translucent blur effect create a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with Windows 11’s native look and feel.
Dual Modes: Files and Gallery
Users can toggle between two primary views from the upper-left corner of the app: Files and Gallery.
- The Files view mimics the web-based OneDrive experience, offering familiar cloud document management.
Image by Windows Central - In contrast, the Gallery view introduces a new desktop-first approach to visual media handling, something that is currently unavailable in the browser version.
Image by Windows Central
Gallery: A Dedicated Space for Photos and Videos
The Gallery mode provides intuitive navigation through sections such as Moments, Albums, People, and Favorites. The “Moments” feature, previously available only in the OneDrive mobile app, displays curated collections of photos captured on the same calendar day across multiple years, now rendered in a refined and user-friendly desktop format.
Copilot Integration Enhances Productivity
Microsoft embeds the Copilot AI assistant directly into the file management workflow. Hovering over any document reveals a Copilot icon that opens an interactive chat panel. Users can request summaries, ask questions about file content, or generate FAQs without leaving the OneDrive interface.
How to Access the new OneDrive features
Interested users can test the new experience by installing OneDrive version 25.191.0930.0001 and launching OneDrive.app.exe from the installation directory. You can download the installer from Microsoft's website.
Upon launch, a new OneDrive icon appears in the system tray, and the app opens directly to the personal photo gallery by default.
Source: Windows Central
Support us
Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options:
