Microsoft is preparing to roll out a brand-new OneDrive app for Windows next year, featuring a fresh design and several AI-powered tools.
The upcoming version will transform OneDrive from a simple cloud storage platform into a smarter, more creative hub. Unlike the current taskbar-based version, the new OneDrive will open as a full desktop app, giving users a more immersive experience similar to its mobile version.
Users will be able to browse all their cloud photos in a modern gallery view or switch to a “People View,” which automatically detects and groups faces that can be named and organized for easier access.
Microsoft says the new OneDrive will also support local photo editing, allowing users to edit pictures stored on their device or upload them directly to the cloud. The company is also integrating its AI assistant Copilot more deeply into OneDrive with a new Photos Agent, available to Microsoft 365 Copilot and Premium subscribers. This tool will act as a photo assistant, enabling users to search for memories, organize albums, and find photo collections using natural language prompts like “Show me pictures from my birthday party last year.”
On mobile, OneDrive for iOS and Android is getting smarter too. The upcoming update will include AI-powered editing tools that can clean up blurry or duplicate photos and even transform pictures into animated styles. A new “Moments” tab will help users revisit old memories with “On This Day” highlights, similar to what Google Photos offers.
Microsoft is also improving file sharing through a new “Hero Link” feature, which allows users to share files simply by copying a link. This eliminates the common “access denied” errors by letting recipients request access directly.
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With all these updates, Microsoft is turning OneDrive into a smarter, more connected platform that blends cloud storage, artificial intelligence, and creativity in one place. The new OneDrive experience is expected to launch in 2026, marking one of the most significant upgrades to Microsoft’s cloud service in years.
