In Windows 11, tested in the dearest Windows Insider builds, Microsoft introduces new AI editing-powered features for Paint and Notepad. These updates, which are available in the Canary and Dev channels, make AI convenient for image and text editing tasks.
That’s good news for Windows users, who could soon have the capability of fewer external tools needed to create a project or edit a document, thanks to built-in functionality in Windows 11.
AI-powered editing tools are now available in Paint and Notepad for Windows 11 testers
In Paint, Microsoft has launched two new AI tools: Generative Erase and Generative Fill. Generative Erase allows users to choose what part of an image needs to be erased, and the tool will replace it with a background that looks as if it were never there. These features are the same as those in Microsoft’s Photos app, but now they are customized for Paint’s simple user interface. In the meantime, Generative Fill lets users populate certain regions of an image with AI-crafted content that knits in seamlessly with the natural scene where it fits. Initially, the Generative Fill will only be available for certain devices running Snapdragon-powered Windows PCs.
A new feature in Notepad: users can highlight text to change its tone or length using the new AI-based rewriting feature. While the tool in its current form wasn’t meant to write new content from scratch, it can modify portions of text that could be useful for quick edits, such as formalizing a casual note or condensing lengthy text. It adds to Windows one of its oldest, simplest applications — appealing to the ease-of-use crowd that doesn’t mind sacrificing a little functionality for something nicer.
However, those latest AI updates are part of Microsoft’s bigger effort to bring AI into core Windows 11 apps. The company previously laid out an AI roadmap, including progress in Paint, Notepad, and Search, with more updates expected as testing continues. While we take some time to test and improve features such as the Xbox AI Answer, we are steadfast in our commitment to simplify every day with AI.
The new features are available to Windows Insider users with the latest versions of Paint (11.2410.28.0) and Notepad (11.2410.15.0), with wider availability expected as feedback is collected and the features are improved. At this point, Microsoft wants to make AI available to more people with easy-to-use apps in Windows 11 that will still set the stage for more advanced functionality.
Images credit: Microsoft
