Windows 11 Photos app now uses AI to automatically sort images into categories

Microsoft is testing an AI-powered feature for its Photos app on Windows 11 that automatically sorts images into specific categories like receipts, screenshots, identity documents, and handwritten notes. The feature aims to help users better organize their photo libraries by using visual recognition to categorize images, even when text appears in non-English languages.

How it works: The Photos app uses AI to analyze the visual content of images and automatically place them into designated folders based on what it detects.
• Categories currently include receipts, screenshots, identity documents, and handwritten notes.
• The system can identify and sort images containing text in languages other than English, such as a Hungarian passport being correctly placed in the identity documents folder.
• Sorted folders appear under the Categories section in the app’s left navigation bar.

Who can access it: The feature is rolling out as part of an update to Windows 11 Insiders with Copilot Plus PCs.

Current limitations: While the automatic categorization covers four specific types of images, the feature doesn’t yet allow users to create custom categories for personal organization needs like photos of pets or vacation destinations.

Why this matters: The update addresses a common pain point for digital photo management, potentially making it easier for users to locate specific types of images without manual sorting. As photo libraries continue to grow with smartphone usage, automated organization tools become increasingly valuable for productivity and file management.