- Status: Confirmed / Ongoing Rollout
- Affected Versions: Windows 11 Enterprise and Pro
- Trigger: OneDrive Sync Client Update v26.129.0706.0003
- Key Issue: App requires a personal Microsoft account and cannot be uninstalled via standard Store policies.
Microsoft has once again drawn the ire of IT administrators by silently deploying a new OneDrive Photos app to Windows 11 enterprise environments. According to reports from Windows Latest, the application is being bundled with updates to the OneDrive sync client, meaning any organization using Microsoft Intune or standard Group Policy to manage their fleet is now seeing this unwanted entry appear in the Start menu.
The core frustration stems from the app’s architecture. Unlike traditional Microsoft Store or MSIX packages, this new tool is delivered as OneDrive.App.exe located within the existing OneDrive installation folder. This makes it invisible to standard software inventory tools and impossible to remove using conventional Microsoft Store policies. Furthermore, the app is strictly tied to personal Microsoft accounts, rendering it completely useless for enterprise users who rely on Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for authentication.
Technical Breakdown and Installation Paths
The deployment method for this update is particularly concerning from a security and management perspective. The application is not installed as a standalone package but is embedded directly into the OneDrive sync client directory. This means that as long as the OneDrive sync client is present on the machine, the OneDrive Photos app will persist.
Administrators have identified the following file paths where the application resides:
- Executable:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\OneDrive.App.exe - Start Menu Shortcut:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\OneDrive Photos.lnk
The shortcut is also replicated to user desktops and roaming profiles, ensuring visibility across the organization. Because the app functions as a web wrapper for OneDrive.com’s Gallery section, it loads Microsoft Edge in the background. While reports indicate resource usage is relatively low, rarely exceeding 1GB of RAM, the presence of an unmanaged web application on enterprise endpoints raises compliance questions for many IT departments.
The Removal Challenge
Attempting to remove the app through standard means has proven futile. Because the executable is part of the OneDrive sync client, uninstalling it would require removing the entire OneDrive application, which is critical for data synchronization across the enterprise. Microsoft has not provided a Group Policy Object (GPO) or Intune configuration profile to suppress this installation.
Current workarounds involve manual deletion of the shortcuts and the executable, but this is a temporary fix. The app reinstalls automatically whenever the OneDrive sync client updates itself. This creates a perpetual cycle of removal and reinstallation that drains administrative resources.
One reported remediation script involves purging the shortcuts from the ProgramData, Public, and user AppData directories. However, without a native suppression mechanism, this script must be scheduled to run daily or weekly via Task Scheduler or Intune scripts to maintain a clean environment.
What This Means for You
For enterprise IT administrators, this rollout highlights a significant gap in change management. The introduction of a consumer-focused feature into a managed environment without prior notification or opt-out options disrupts standard operating procedures. It forces admins to choose between maintaining data sync capabilities and enforcing a clean, compliant software inventory.
For general users, the app may offer a new way to view photos stored in OneDrive, but it duplicates functionality already available in the native Windows Photos app. If you are not actively seeking this feature, you may find the persistent presence of the app intrusive, especially if you cannot remove it without affecting your cloud storage.
How to Mitigate the Issue
If you are an IT admin dealing with this rollout, your immediate options are limited. You can attempt to remove the shortcuts using the PowerShell script detailed in the source reports, but you must monitor for reinstallation after OneDrive updates. Keep an eye on the Microsoft 365 Message Center for any official guidance or suppression policies that may be released in the future.
Microsoft has acknowledged the situation, with early findings suggesting the rollout may have been unintended. However, until an official patch or policy is released, the burden remains on administrators to manage this unexpected software deployment.
Source: Windows Latest
Over to you: Are you seeing the OneDrive Photos app appear on your enterprise devices, and what workaround are you using to remove it?
