Microsoft Photos vs Windows Photo Viewer: Which Software is Better

Simple intuitive UI. The Microsoft Photos UI is divided into five main modes: Collection, Albums, People, Folders, and Video editor. Collection sorts everything by date. Albums include both automatically generated albums and user-created ones. Folders show images based on their hard drive location. Regardless of the mode, you can always click on any individual photo to view and edit it.

Easy image scaling. If you want to zoom in or out of an image in the Microsoft app, you have to double click the image or rotate the mouse wheel while keeping the Ctrl key pressed down in data collection mode or simply move the mouse wheel in editing mode. You can also use the “Fit screen” icon or the “+” and “-” buttons in the bottom right corner.

OneDrive integration. This means that the photos you take with your smartphone will automatically show up in the Collection section as long as they are automatically uploaded to OneDrive. Microsoft Photos also includes an “Import” feature that works with any memory device that is connected to your PC.

Terrific file support. Microsoft Photos supports all RAW camera image formats, which is a notable advantage for anyone who takes digital photography seriously. The software also supports the highest quality image formats and can even open new formats like Canon .CR3 and images that were taken with the help of Nikon .NEF cameras. 

Automatic album collection. Microsoft Photos generates albums for users based on date, allowing you to receive automatically created slideshow videos. You can edit albums to your liking and the software lets you share your online galleries using links given they’re synchronized with iCloud and OneDrive.

Simple menu. The software’s tools are represented by the main menu located at the top of the window and the toolset panel located at the bottom. The main menu includes the following sections: File, Print, Email, Burn, and Open.

Easy image copying. Similarly, to how you use Windows Explorer, you need to provide a destination folder and type in a name. By default, you'll be offered to use the same name as the original file. The copy creation process can be finalized by clicking on the Save button. 

Convenient printing parameter setup. The Print menu allows you to select a printer that will be used for printing from a dropdown list. If you don’t have any printers installed at the moment, then you can use the appropriate feature to start the installation process and set up any connected printer.

The Paper size section lets you pick the paper format that will be used for printing. By default, this parameter is set to A4 since this format is the most popular one among users. Similarly, the Print quality section allows you to pick the desired image quality.

Slideshow creation. This software, akin to most Windows Photo Viewer alternatives, allows you to put together image slideshows. In full-screen mode, the slideshow displays the main EXIF data right on the screen. To start the demonstration of an automatic slideshow, you simply need to press the “S” key.

Long list of supported image formats. The software allows you to work with RAW files taken with DSLR cameras (NEF, RAW, CR2, CRW, RAF, ARW, MRW, SRF, ORF, PEF, DCR, ERF, DNG from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Minolta, Olympus, FujiFilm, etc.)