OneDrive to Get New Mobile App, Improved Search, and Colored Folders in File Explorer

Microsoft has announced a major update to its OneDrive cloud service, which will feature improved search, support for colored folders in File Explorer, integration with third-party services, a new mobile app, and other improvements. Some of the changes will be available in the coming weeks, while others should be expected throughout 2025.

Improved search

New filter controls and detailed search results make it much faster and easier to find the files and folders you need, whether they’re stored in your OneDrive, in a shared library, or in a teammate’s folder. The change is rolling out to some customers now. All enterprise customers will get the new search experience in OneDrive by the end of 2024.

Improved Search in OneDrive. Image credits: Microsoft

Colored Folders in File Explorer

Colored folders in File Explorer. Image credits: Microsoft

OneDrive for Windows now supports colored folders in File Explorer. If you've set them up on the web, you'll see the change on your computer, too. The change is now available to all users.

 

Document library improvements

Significant improvements to the OneDrive document library experience are expected by mid-2025, including improved performance, easier navigation, custom views, and filtering of large data sets.

New mobile apps for Android and iOS

The updated app puts the main focus on photos, offering users by albums, people, and favorites. Built-in AI-powered search allows you to search for images using natural language (for example, "dog on a boat"). The main page of the app now displays memories, trips, and birthdays. The developers also simplified the import of files from Google Drive, Google Photos, and Dropbox.

The Android app is already available, the iOS version will appear in November. AI-powered search will initially be available only to Microsoft 365 subscribers, but it will be available to all users in the summer of 2025.

Copilot

Copilot in OneDrive is now available to all enterprise customers. In the future, the service will support Copilot Agents, which means you can create a personal AI assistant to help you with folder tasks.

Check out this video:

It is also noted that the updated interface for working with photos will appear on all platforms, including PC, macOS and the web version. In the future, integration with the Microsoft Designer service is planned, which will allow you to quickly and conveniently edit photos.

OneDrive uses artificial intelligence to organize your files and photos into moments, passions, or collections, and features like file summaries and comparisons will be integrated into File Explorer on Windows and Finder on macOS.

The official announcement is here. Thanks to thecommunity.

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Author: Sergey Tkachenko

Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer who started Winaero back in 2011. On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Telegram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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