Windows

How to Manage OneDrive Photos in Microsoft Photos App

Written by

Richard

Oct 10, 2023 Updated Apr 17, 2026 1 min read

The Microsoft Photos app is a built-in tool that lets you view, edit, and organize your pictures. By default, any images you save to your OneDrive account will show up automatically in this app.

Why manage your OneDrive photos?

You might want to hide these photos to keep your personal files private. You may also prefer to use a different app to view your images. Changing this setting gives you control over what appears in your gallery.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish these steps, your OneDrive images will either appear or disappear from your Photos app immediately. This does not delete your files; it only changes whether the app displays them.

Here is how to change your settings:

1. Open the Photos app from your Start menu or your list of apps.

2. Click the Settings (gear) icon located at the top of the window.

3. Look for the section labeled OneDrive Accounts.
4. Select your OneDrive account tile.
5. Use the toggle switch to turn the feature On to see your photos, or Off to hide them.

Summary

The Microsoft Photos app syncs with your cloud storage by default. You can easily toggle this feature in the app’s settings menu. This helps you manage your privacy or clean up your photo library view. This process does not require administrator privileges.

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Tags: #Windows 11

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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6 responses to “How to Manage OneDrive Photos in Microsoft Photos App”

1. […] that allows users to view, edit, and organize their photos and images. You can include and display your photos stored on OneDrive within the […]

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2. […] that allows users to view, edit, and organize their photos and images. You can include and display your photos stored on OneDrive within the […]

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3. HEllo, Windows 11 has changed the options and you cannot stop the Microsoft photos widget from randomly displaying your personal photos. Please help! The Settings/One Drive Accounts/Personal section no longer has a toggle switch but rather only two available options: “Account Settings” OR “Remove Onedrive Albums…”. I looked under both sections and there is no place to toggle off “show photos from Onedrive” Can someone please assist me? Thank you!

   Reply

4. […] editor that allows users to view, edit, and organize their photos and images. You can include and display your photos stored on OneDrive within the […]

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5. […] your photos here. It also lets you edit pictures and even connect to online photo storage like OneDrive or […]

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6. […] can also sync your OneDrive storage to see your files on any […]

   Reply