Microsoft Reverses Course on Unwanted OneDrive Photos App

Microsoft has backtracked on its decision to install OneDrive Photos on thousands of Windows 11 PCs, allowing users to remove it without disrupting their synced files.

The app was quietly added in August without user consent and sparked outrage among users who dislike the idea of unwanted apps being installed. OneDrive Photos had access to all pictures on a PC, including those outside the Pictures folder, and included an AI-powered feature that grouped similar faces.

Microsoft attributed the broad rollout to an 'accident' and promised to fix it, stating that users would always have the option to use Windows Photos or OneDrive for photos. However, removing OneDrive Photos required deleting the OneDrive sync client, which could cause sync issues.

Now, Microsoft has confirmed that it will add controls to remove OneDrive Photos separately from the OneDrive app, allowing users to uninstall the photo experience without affecting their synced files or settings.