Microsoft OneDrive: a major overhaul with AI, photo gallery, and new Windows app
Microsoft is preparing a significant update for OneDrive that will fundamentally change how users manage and share their files.
The Redmond company has announced a complete redesign of the OneDrive application for Windows, expected in 2026, featuring a new interface, innovative photo tools, and enhanced integration of the Copilot AI.
A New OneDrive App for Windows
Gone is the small dropdown menu in the taskbar: OneDrive is transforming into a standalone application on Windows. Inspired by the mobile version, this redesign offers a modern photo gallery, a “People” view that automatically recognizes faces, and the ability to create animated slideshows using AI.
Users will also be able to edit their local photos directly within OneDrive before saving them to their drive or backing them up to the cloud.
Copilot Joins OneDrive
Microsoft continues to expand its AI strategy by integrating Copilot directly into OneDrive, both on the Web and desktop.
This addition will allow users to:
- automatically summarize a document (Word, PDF, presentation, etc.),
- extract key points from an image, whiteboard, or slideshow,
- and compare multiple versions of the same file to identify differences.
Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Copilot or Premium will also benefit from the new Photos Agent, a conversational AI capable of finding specific images in your library.
For example, you can ask: “Show me the pictures from my vacation in Italy” or “Create an album with photos from last summer’s wedding.” Copilot will sort, classify, and automatically generate albums.
New Photo Features on Mobile
On iOS and Android, Microsoft is introducing a suite of AI tools for photo editing:
- automatic sharpening enhancement,
- removal of duplicates or blurry images,
- and conversion of images into animated styles.
A new section called “Moments” will also highlight daily memories or past events, somewhat similar to Google Photos.
Simplified File Sharing
Microsoft finally addresses one of the biggest annoyances of OneDrive: sharing links. With the new “Hero Link” feature, it will be possible to share the file URL directly, like in Google Docs, without having to create a special link. Permissions can be adjusted at any time without needing to resend a new link.
Another useful addition: Copilot can automatically generate a summary of the shared file, providing an overview of the content before it is even opened.
Audio Summaries with Copilot
OneDrive will go even further with an audio synthesis feature, similar to Google’s NotebookLM concept. The AI will be able to generate a vocal summary of a long document or report — either in an “executive” tone or a “podcast” style.
This feature allows users to listen to a summary of a presentation or a business proposal while on the move.
An Ambitious Update
With the complete redesign of the Windows app, the new photo experience, and the deep integration of AI, Microsoft is transforming OneDrive into a true personal productivity assistant for visual and document management.
While some features (like Photos Agents and AI summaries) will remain exclusive to premium subscribers, the simplified sharing options and new Windows interface will be available to all users in 2026.
