Microsoft Admits Windows 11 Has Been Secretly Installing Unwanted AI Apps

Microsoft has admitted that its Windows 11 operating system has inadvertently installed the AI-based OneDrive Photos app on a wider range of PCs than intended. The company explained that the beta app was unintentionally distributed to consumer Windows 11 systems starting August 1, and later reached more devices with the OneDrive sync client installed.

The issue is particularly problematic for enterprise computers, where OneDrive Photos is not designed to function. Microsoft stated it is working on a resolution and aims to provide users with a way to remove OneDrive Photos without uninstalling the core OneDrive application. Currently, the only way to remove OneDrive Photos is by uninstalling OneDrive entirely, which impacts the main OneDrive client and may affect system performance.

The company acknowledged that OneDrive Photos appeared on enterprise systems not designed for it, creating difficulties for IT administrators who manage these systems through Microsoft Intune. Microsoft is planning to introduce controls that will allow users to remove OneDrive Photos independently from the main OneDrive app in a future update.

Until then, users relying on OneDrive's syncing features may be forced to keep the app installed until the removal option becomes available.