Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Photo Viewer for Cleaner Look and Better Performance

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11's built-in photo viewer, Microsoft Photos, which brings a cleaner look and improved performance. The new version, 2026.11080.24002.0, is rolling out to all users and includes several changes that aim to declutter the toolbar and make it easier to use.

The update removes shortcuts to other apps from the toolbar, including Designer, OneDrive, and Clipchamp, which are now accessible through a new 'Open with' menu. This change is part of Microsoft's effort to simplify the interface and let users focus on their content without getting overwhelmed by too many options.

In addition to the changes in the toolbar, the update also includes performance improvements, such as faster launches and smoother zooming. The photo viewer now uses a new 'multi-process architecture' that loads photos almost twice as fast as before.