Photos for Windows

Overview

Microsoft Photos is a free app for viewing and editing pictures and video clips. It typically ships with Windows, and can also be obtained at no cost from the Microsoft Store. The program offers tools for organizing your media, basic to advanced editing, and simple ways to share or display your photos and movies.

Organizing and browsing your collection

Photos can automatically group your images and clips into collections based on factors such as date and location. You can quickly change thumbnail sizes to speed up scrolling or enlarge them to inspect details. Favorite images can be assigned as your desktop wallpaper or lock screen background, and OneDrive sync makes your library accessible from other devices. The app also includes a slideshow mode for easy viewing.

Editing and creative tools

• Trim and fine-tune videos, swap or add background music, and apply motion effects or text overlays to enhance storytelling.
• Crop, rotate, and correct images; adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance; and apply a variety of preset filters and artistic looks.
• Insert 3D-style visual elements — for example, simulated swarms, lightning flashes, or fiery explosions — into video clips for dramatic effect.
• Draw directly on photos and videos with pen or touch input, then play back those strokes as animated sequences.
• Remove red-eye, reduce blemishes, and use other quick retouching tools to improve portraits.

Other programs to consider

• FastStone Image Viewer — a popular third-party option with a compact interface and many fast browsing tools.
• XnView — supports a wide range of formats and includes batch-processing capabilities.
• IrfanView — lightweight and extendable, a long-standing choice for quick viewing and basic edits.

Final notes

Microsoft Photos combines essential organization features with a surprising range of editing options, so for many users it replaces the need to install separate photo- or video-editing utilities. Whether you want basic fixes, simple creative effects, or quick movie-making, it provides a convenient, built-in solution.