Overview: A smarter way to tame a messy photo library
Microsoft is expanding its Copilot-powered toolkit with Auto-Categorization, a feature designed to bring order to chaotic photo collections in Windows 11. The AI-driven tool automatically recognizes and sorts images into four practical categories: screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes. By letting the operating system classify files for you, Auto-Categorization aims to save time, reduce clutter, and make your photo library easier to navigate.
How Auto-Categorization works
The feature relies on AI-based image recognition and what Microsoft describes as language-agnostic recognition. That means it can classify documents and images even when the underlying text isn’t in English, such as meeting notes captured in French or German. Once scanned and categorized, you can quickly browse your photos by selecting a category in the left navigation pane of the Photos app or by searching within the app to jump straight to the items you need.
The four categories and what they include
Screenshots
Images captured from apps or the system that users want to keep for reference, sharing, or record-keeping. Auto-Categorization groups these together for faster retrieval.
Receipts
Photo receipts from purchases, warranties, or confirmations. This category helps you locate expense information without digging through folders.
Identity documents
Images of IDs or official documents used for verification, enrollment, or ID-check tasks. Categorizing them separately keeps sensitive items organized and easy to locate.
Notes
Captured notes or handwritten reminders that were saved as images. This category makes it simple to review quick ideas and important details at a glance.
How to use Auto-Categorization
- Update prerequisites: ensure you’re on Windows 11 with the latest Photos app version (2025.11090.25001.0 or higher) from the Microsoft Store and have access to Copilot+ on your PC.
- Open the Photos app. The new categories should appear in the left navigation bar, ready for browsing.
- Let the feature run in the background. Newly added images will be automatically sorted into the four categories as they’re added or updated.
- Use search or category filters to locate images quickly. This makes it simple to pull up a specific receipt, screenshot, or note without manual scrolling.
Availability and prerequisites
The Auto-Categorization feature is currently rolling out to Windows 11 users via Insider channels. A Copilot+ PC is required for the functionality to work, and you’ll need to update the Microsoft Photos app to the specified version. Microsoft has framed this as part of a broader push to weave Copilot more deeply into the Windows experience.
Why this matters for Windows users
With Copilot becoming a more central part of Windows, tools that reduce manual file organization offer tangible productivity benefits. By automatically grouping images into logical categories, the feature helps users reclaim time they’d otherwise spend tagging, filing, or searching for documents. For people who accumulate large photo libraries—whether from travel, receipts for expenses, or work-related notes—Auto-Categorization can be a practical, time-saving enhancement.
Looking ahead: Copilot’s evolving role in Windows
Microsoft has been integrating Copilot across various Windows experiences, from gaming to on-screen assistance via Copilot Vision. The broader trend points to a more proactive AI assistant built into everyday tasks, such as managing documents, improving search, and guiding users through complex workflows. As integration expands, features like Auto-Categorization could become even more tightly woven with other productivity tools in the Windows ecosystem.
Bottom line
For users with cluttered photo collections, Auto-Categorization represents a practical step toward a tidier library. By automatically sorting images into Screenshots, Receipts, Identity documents, and Notes, Windows 11 with Copilot continues to push toward a more intuitive, AI-assisted way of organizing digital memories.
