Microsoft Photos Tips & Tricks You’ll Actually Use

Microsoft Photos is the default photo viewer and editor on Windows 10 and 11, and while it looks simple, it hides a surprising number of powerful features. This guide covers the most useful tips and tricks, from keyboard shortcuts and slideshow tricks to built-in video editing and background removal, so you can get more done without installing third-party software.

Getting Started: Know Your Version

Before diving into tricks, it helps to know which version of Microsoft Photos you have. Windows 10 and early Windows 11 builds include the classic “Microsoft Photos” app (version 2020.x or older). Windows 11 later introduced a completely redesigned “Photos” app (version 2022.x and newer) with a different interface and some new features like iCloud integration and a timeline scrubber. The tips below apply to both versions where noted; when a feature is version-specific, it will be flagged.

To check your version: open Photos, click the three-dot menu (or your profile icon), select Settings, and scroll to About. Knowing your version helps you follow the right steps.

Keyboard Shortcuts That Save Time

Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to navigate and edit in Photos. Here are the most useful ones, which work in both versions:

Arrow keys – Move to the previous/next photo.
Ctrl + Plus / Minus – Zoom in / out on a photo.
Ctrl + 0 – Reset zoom to fit the window.
Ctrl + S – Save a copy after editing (classic version) or save changes (new version).
Ctrl + E – Open the editor directly (new version).
Ctrl + D – Add the current photo to your Favorites (new version).
F5 – Start a slideshow of the current folder (classic version).
Ctrl + P – Print the photo.

If you’re viewing a video, use Spacebar to play/pause and Ctrl + Arrow keys to skip forward/backward by frames.

Mastering the Editor: Cropping, Filters, and Adjustments

The built-in editor is more capable than most people realize. In the new version, click the Edit button (pencil icon) at the top. You’ll see three tabs: Crop & Rotate, Filters, and Adjustments.

Crop & Rotate: Use the slider to rotate, or drag the corner handles to crop. You can also choose preset aspect ratios like 16:9 or 1:1. In the classic version, right-click a photo and choose Edit to access similar tools.
Filters: There are about 20 filters, from subtle to dramatic. Click one to apply it instantly. You can adjust the filter intensity with the slider that appears.
Adjustments: These include Light (brightness, contrast, highlights, shadows), Color (temperature, tint, saturation), and Effects (vignette, grain). Each has a slider from -100 to +100. For a quick fix, try Auto enhance (magic wand icon) which balances exposure and color automatically.

One hidden gem: in the new version, you can compare your edited photo with the original by holding down the spacebar while in the editor.

Background Removal and Other AI Tricks

The new Microsoft Photos app includes an AI-powered background remover. To use it: open a photo, click Edit, then select Background (the icon looks like a person with a dashed outline). The app will automatically detect the subject and remove the background. You can then save the result as a PNG with a transparent background. This works best on photos with a clear subject against a simple background.

There’s also a Replace background option that lets you choose a solid color or another image. This is great for creating profile pictures or product shots without needing Photoshop. The background removal is not perfect on complex images (like hair against a busy background), but it’s surprisingly good for a free built-in tool.

Creating Slideshows and Videos

Photos can turn your still images into a video slideshow with music and transitions – a feature many users overlook.

In the new version, click New (top menu) and select Video. In the classic version, click Create > Video.
Add your photos and videos (you can drag them in).
Choose a Theme (like “Classic” or “Adventure”) which applies transitions and motion effects.
Add Music from the built-in library or your own files. You can adjust the volume and trim the music.
Set the Duration for each photo (default is 3 seconds).
Click Export to save as an MP4 file. You can choose resolution up to 1080p.

This is a quick way to make a memory video for a birthday or trip without learning a full video editor. The classic version also has a Remix feature that auto-generates a video with music and effects in one click.

Organizing Your Library: Albums, Favorites, and Folders

Keeping your photos organized is key to finding them later. Here’s how to use Photos’ built-in organization tools:

Albums: In the new version, go to the Albums tab. Click New album, give it a name, and then add photos. You can also let Photos auto-create albums by people (using face recognition) or by place.
Favorites: Click the heart icon on any photo to mark it as a favorite. Then click the Favorites filter in the library to see all of them. In the classic version, right-click and choose Add to favorites.
Folders: Photos automatically shows photos from your Pictures folder, but you can add other folders: go to Settings > Sources (or Add a folder in classic) and choose any folder on your PC or OneDrive. This is useful if you keep photos on an external drive.
People: The new version groups photos by face. You can tag people to make searching easier – just click on a face and type a name.

Search is powerful: type things like “beach” or “dog” and Photos will use AI to find matching images (new version only).

Common Problems and Fixes

Even the best apps have hiccups. Here are common Photos issues and how to solve them:

Photos won’t open or crashes: Try resetting the app: go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10), find Photos, click the three-dot menu, and choose Advanced options > Reset. This clears the app’s cache without deleting your photos.
Photos doesn’t show all my images: Check that the folder is added as a source (see above). Also, make sure the files aren’t hidden or in a system folder.
Video export is slow: Reduce the resolution to 720p or close other programs. Exporting a long video can take a while.
Background removal doesn’t work: This feature requires the new version and an internet connection for the AI processing. If it’s grayed out, update the app from the Microsoft Store.
Can’t edit a photo: Some file types (like RAW) may not be fully supported. Convert to JPEG or PNG first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Microsoft Photos to edit RAW files?

Microsoft Photos can open RAW files from many cameras, but editing is limited. You can apply basic adjustments like exposure and color, but you won’t have the full control of a dedicated RAW editor like Adobe Lightroom. For serious RAW work, consider using a free tool like RawTherapee or darktable.

How do I make a slideshow with music in Photos?

Use the Create > Video feature (new version) or Create > Video in classic. Add your photos, select a theme, add music, and export as a video. You can’t play a slideshow with music in the viewer itself; you have to export it as a video file.

Why is my Photos app missing the background removal option?

Background removal is only available in the new Microsoft Photos app (version 2022.31070 or later). If you don’t see it, update the app via the Microsoft Store. Also, the feature requires an internet connection because it uses cloud AI processing.

Can I recover deleted photos from Microsoft Photos?

No, Photos doesn’t have a recycle bin. Once you delete a photo from your library (or from the folder on disk), it goes to the Windows Recycle Bin. If you emptied the Recycle Bin, you’ll need third-party recovery software. Always back up important photos to OneDrive or an external drive.

Does Microsoft Photos support HEIC files from iPhone?

Yes, but you need to install the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store (it’s a paid codec, but often free on new devices). Once installed, Photos can open and edit HEIC images. Without it, you’ll see a black thumbnail or an error.

How do I stop Photos from automatically creating albums?

In the new version, go to Settings and toggle off Automatically create albums. This stops the app from grouping photos by people or places. You can still create manual albums.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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