Where Does Microsoft Photos Store Data?
Microsoft Photos indexes Pictures folders with its database in AppData packages. Reindex folders after moving pictures.
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Microsoft Photos on Windows 11 keeps its index database in the app package folder under Local AppData. Pictures stay in your Pictures library and OneDrive. The app reads those places rather than copying images inside.
This covers the inbox Photos app, not legacy viewer tools. Back up pictures plus let the index rebuild. Exact database names vary by release, so confirm inside settings when unsure.
Where Microsoft Photos stores this, by platform
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Photos (index, pictures in libraries)
Index database in the app package folder. Pictures stay in libraries. Reindex after moving picture folders.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move the Photos library?
Copy your Pictures folders to matching paths on the new PC, then let Photos reindex them. The index rebuilds from files. Settings travel separately.
Photos missing after moving. Why?
Check the indexed folders inside the app settings first. Moved pictures break index links. Re-add folders after restoring.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.