What the feature does
Microsoft’s Copilot is expanding its role in Windows 11 with a new AI-powered feature for the Photos app: Auto-Categorization. This tool automatically detects and groups your images into four practical categories—screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes—so you can locate what you need without endless scrolling. The goal is to streamline photo management and make your library easier to navigate.
Language-agnostic recognition
A standout aspect of Auto-Categorization is its language-agnostic recognition. The AI can categorize documents even when they aren’t in English. That means you can trust non-English meeting notes or forms to land in the correct category, reducing the time you spend labeling items manually.
How to find your categorized photos
Once the feature sorts your library, you can browse the four categories in the Photos app’s left navigation sidebar or use the search bar to locate items quickly. The categories act as a helpful scaffold, and items that don’t fit perfectly can still be found within your broader library through broad searches or standard browsing.
Availability and requirements
The Auto-Categorization feature is rolling out on Windows 11 across all Insider channels, but you’ll need a Copilot+ PC for it to work. In addition, ensure your Microsoft Photos app is updated to version 2025.11090.25001.0 or higher via the Microsoft Store to unlock this capability. This readiness check helps guarantee a smooth setup and consistent performance as the feature expands.
Where Copilot fits into Windows now
Auto-Categorization arrives amid a broader wave of Copilot integrations across Windows. Earlier this month, Copilot made its way into Windows gaming, offering real-time tips and context without leaving the game. Copilot Vision, introduced in July 2025, lets the AI view and analyze what’s on your screen and provide natural verbal assistance, a capability not yet widely seen on other platforms. Microsoft also plans to place Copilot broadly across Windows, with the Copilot app slated to install on devices with 365 desktop apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) starting in October.
What this means for you
For everyday users, Auto-Categorization promises a calmer, more navigable photo library. The feature reduces the time spent hunting for a receipt or a crucial document and lets you focus on memories and tasks that matter. As part of Copilot’s broader push, it signals a more seamless, AI-enhanced Windows experience that blends organization, search, and everyday productivity.
Looking ahead
As Copilot expands, you can expect more automation and smarter organization across the apps you rely on daily. Auto-Categorization is a practical step toward a cleaner library and faster access to essential images, with language-agnostic flexibility supporting multilingual settings and diverse workflows.
