Microsoft has started testing new AI features in Windows 11’s Paint and Notepad applications. These updates are being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, bringing more advanced capabilities to users for editing both images and text.
AI-enhanced Paint features
Two major AI features, Generative Fill and Generative Erase, are being introduced to Microsoft Paint (version 11.2410.28.0). These features are designed to simplify the creative process for users, making it easier to edit images seamlessly.
Generative Fill
Generative Fill allows users to outline or designate a region within an image using the Selection Tool, and then fill it with AI-generated content that integrates naturally with the scene. This new tool aims to enhance artistic creation by making it easy to add elements to an image, such as filling in missing parts or adding new details. Users can describe what they want to add, and the AI will generate options to choose from. If the generated content doesn’t match your expectations, you can try again until you find the desired result.
To get started with Generative Fill, users need to make a rectangular or free-form selection using the Selection Tool in the Paint toolbar. Once an area is selected, a menu will pop up with the Generative Fill option. Users can enter a description of what they want to add, and press “Create” to generate the content. If the result isn’t satisfactory, users can use the “Try again” button to refine the selection or adjust the text prompt until they achieve the desired effect. Users can cycle through multiple generated options using arrow buttons and press “Keep” to apply the content to the canvas.
Generative Fill is initially available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, and users need to sign in with their Microsoft account to access this feature. The feature is available only to Windows Insiders in supported markets, and availability may vary based on regional criteria.
Generative Erase
Generative Erase, which has already been available in the Photos app, is now coming to Paint. This tool lets you remove unwanted objects from an image while automatically filling in the background to create a seamless look. Users can manually brush over areas they wish to erase, or use selection tools to specify which part of the image should be removed. Generative Erase is available for all Windows 11 PCs running the Windows Insider code.
To use Generative Erase, users can select the eraser tool and choose “Generative Erase” from the left side of the canvas. The generative erase brush allows users to manually brush over one or more areas they wish to remove. There are also options to “Add area to erase” or “Reduce area to erase” to adjust the selection further. After selecting the area, users can click “Apply” to remove the object. Additionally, users can use rectangular or free-form selection tools to define the area for removal.
These tools bring a simpler, more user-friendly way to modify images, making Paint a powerful yet accessible tool for both casual users and hobbyist creators. Unlike other software like Photoshop, Paint remains a free and straightforward option for editing tasks that require advanced AI assistance.
Notepad’s new AI capabilities
Notepad (version 11.2410.15.0) is also receiving a significant AI update, giving users more control over their text content. This update introduces an AI-powered rewrite feature that allows users to refine their text by rephrasing, adjusting tone, or changing the length of selected passages.
To use this feature, users can select the text they want to edit, right-click to access the Rewrite option, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I. Notepad will then generate three variations of the rewritten text, and users can select one or retry for additional versions. Options are also available to make the content shorter or longer, or modify the tone to suit specific needs. The original versions are preserved in case the user wants to revert to previous text.
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The rewrite feature also allows users to modify the tone, making it possible to adjust the text to be more formal or casual depending on the context. Additionally, users can customize rewrite settings and click “Retry” to generate more refined versions of the text. If desired, the rewrite feature can be disabled in the app settings.
The rewrite feature is available in preview for Windows Insiders in selected regions, including the United States, Canada, the UK, France, Italy, and Germany. Microsoft 365 subscribers in other markets like Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand can also access this feature using AI credits.
With this update, Notepad is evolving from a basic text editor to a more dynamic tool for content creation and refinement, making it easier for users to craft polished, well-written notes and documents.
Improved performance and Cocreator update
Microsoft has also made improvements to Cocreator, enhancing the underlying diffusion-based model for faster results and better performance. Cocreator is available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and is designed to improve the efficiency of creative processes by leveraging a local neural processing unit (NPU). Built-in moderation features have also been added to ensure a trustworthy and safe creative experience.
The Cocreator model update is aimed at delivering high-quality results more efficiently, providing a responsive experience that makes generating creative content faster and more reliable. These enhancements make Cocreator a valuable tool for creators seeking to quickly bring their ideas to life without sacrificing quality.
Additionally, Notepad’s performance has been optimized, with most users experiencing a 35% improvement in launch time, and some seeing up to a 55% boost. These improvements mean users can start editing their content even faster, contributing to a more efficient workflow.
Updates to Image Creator
Microsoft has also expanded the availability of the Image Creator feature in Paint, which was launched last year in preview. Image Creator allows users to generate new images using AI and is available in preview for users in the United States, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Additionally, Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in regions like Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand can now use AI credits to access Image Creator in Paint.
Image Creator in Paint is designed to provide users with creative possibilities by generating AI-based images. Users need to sign in with their Microsoft account to use Image Creator, and the feature is being expanded to additional markets to provide more users with access to these creative tools.
When?
These features are beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, and will be made more widely available as Microsoft gathers and evaluates user feedback. As always, Microsoft encourages users to share their thoughts through the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) to help refine these new tools.
Microsoft’s ongoing improvements to Paint and Notepad reflect its commitment to making AI more accessible and practical for everyday tasks. By incorporating AI tools that simplify creative work and text editing, Windows 11 continues to evolve into a platform that enhances productivity and creativity for all users.
Microsoft is also looking forward to community feedback to refine these features further. The rollout is being done gradually to gather insights and make necessary adjustments before broader distribution. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience with these new AI tools, helping Microsoft to continue improving its services and making AI technology more effective and user-friendly.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram
