Windows 11 Photos app takes longer to load? Blame the latest changes

In the past few months, Microsoft has made significant upgrades to the Windows 11 Photos app. From switching to Windows App SDK (from the earlier UWP), a new modern development framework, to integrating AI-powered features like Generative Erase, the list goes on!

However, the latest changes to the Windows 11 Photos app are affecting the loading time, according to a report by Windows Latest. The redesigned app now takes up to 20-25 seconds to load, with users stuck on the Getting things ready screen.

Upon closer investigation, Windows Latest found that the switch to Windows App SDK is to be blamed for the increased loading time. The same applies to other apps using the modern development framework!

The good news is that the latest Windows 11 Photos app is limited to the Insider channels. So, only a few would be affected by the change. But as it rolls out to stable channels in the coming weeks, there will be far more reports of the Windows 11 Photos app loading slowly.

Besides, Microsoft hasn’t altogether deprecated the older Photos app. You can still download Microsoft Photos Legacy from the Microsoft Store!

Why did Microsoft switch to Windows App SDK for Photos?

If the Windows App SDK development framework affects the loading time, why exactly did Microsoft switch to it from the traditional UWP? That will be the question on everyone’s mind!

There are several reasons for this, ranging from increased compatibility with newer versions of the OS to improved performance to the ability to seamlessly deliver updates. Additionally, the new Photos app now runs at the medium integrity level, providing it with more system privileges.

If we stack up all these benefits against slow loading time for Windows 11 Photos, it’s not too disappointing. And perhaps Microsoft will work on improving the loading time in future updates!

In my opinion, for now, the integration of Copilot in Photos and other AI-powered features should be a change we should be happy about. If history tells us anything, a severe backlash will force Microsoft to work on the slow loading of the Photos app on Windows 11.

What do you think? Share with our readers in the comments section.