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Microsoft Quietly Adds OneDrive Photos Beta to Windows 11 OneDrive Client

The rollout raises privacy and control concerns because the app runs as a web-based beta and can only be removed by uninstalling OneDrive.

Overview

  • Microsoft this week pushed an update to the OneDrive client that added a WebView2-based app called OneDrive Photos to some Windows 11 Start menus.
  • The beta displays local pictures and photos stored in OneDrive, provides basic editing and sharing, and unlocks AI-powered search and people-grouping when users sign in.
  • OneDrive Photos is embedded in the OneDrive client and cannot be uninstalled on its own, so removing it currently requires uninstalling the entire OneDrive app.
  • Microsoft says face grouping is opt-in, that facial data stays tied to the user’s account and is not shared with third parties, and that users can delete the data with an automatic two-year removal after inactivity.
  • Because the app is web-based and was auto-distributed, users and commentators have raised concerns about surprise installation and where image analysis runs, which could prompt user pushback and regulatory attention in places with biometric rules.