In a move that feels both revolutionary and oddly overdue, Microsoft has decided to sprinkle a dash of artificial intelligence onto two of its most enduring creations: Paint and Notepad. These humble cornerstones of the Windows operating system—faithful companions of everyone’s hidden creative side—are getting a high-tech upgrade as part of the Windows Insiders program.
It’s all part of Microsoft’s grand plan to showcase AI's potential by embedding it in software we already know and, let’s be honest, often underestimate. For now, these shiny new updates are rolling out in places like the US, Canada, the UK, and a smattering of EU countries. As for Asia? Well, it seems the waiting game continues, because why rush a continent with billions of potential users?
Generative Fill and Sketch Generation for Paint
A significant update in Windows Paint is the addition of generative fill. Powered by DALL-E, it is a creative tool that allows users to enhance images by selecting an area, entering a text description of what they want to add, and letting AI generate content within the selected area. For fine-tuning, users can also cycle through generated options until they find the perfect match. Alongside generative fill, generative erase is another AI-powered function now available in Paint. Users can easily remove unwanted elements from images, and AI will fill the background seamlessly.
These tools deliver the kind of functionality that once required dedicated image-editing software, but they’re now wrapped in a user-friendly package that even the most tech-averse can manage. Perfect for quick fixes or creating visuals that are more "serviceable" than "gallery-worthy."
All of this comes with Windows 11 AI+ PCs, slated for release this year. The cherry on top? The AI functions will run locally, thanks to the NPU on these shiny new devices.
Enhanced Cocreator Feature for Real-Time Image Generation
The Cocreator feature has been improved with a diffusion-based model that enables real-time image generation alongside user sketches. This feature allows users to start with hand-drawn elements and watch as AI completes or enhances their design. Cocreator also supports adjustments to generation accuracy and image style, enabling users to create with greater flexibility. Cocreator is available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11 AI+ PCs, which will be launched this year. The NPU on AI+ PCs will allow users to run AI functions locally.
Notepad's AI Rewriting Function
Notepad, another staple Windows application, now includes a Rewrite feature powered by AI, allowing users to modify selected text based on tone, length, and formatting. Users can make these modifications directly in Notepad, and previous versions are preserved for quick reversion if needed. Notepad's AI rewriting feature is available to all Windows 11 users in the selected regions, including the United States, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany, but limits monthly usage based on the user's Microsoft 365 account.
Microsoft’s Democratizing Access to AI Functions
Since its strategic investment in OpenAI, Microsoft has been steadily embedding AI into its flagship products like Windows and Microsoft 365. It has also rolled out a robust lineup of AI tools for developers on its Azure cloud platform, catering to professionals and enterprises alike. But with its latest move, Microsoft is shifting gears, bringing AI directly to the everyday user through simple, familiar programs like Paint and Notepad.
This approach marks a significant leap toward making AI an accessible tool for all. By integrating cutting-edge features into these basic applications, Microsoft is effectively removing the barriers that once confined AI to experts and premium platforms. No longer does creating a quick illustration or enhancing a digital sketch require expensive software subscriptions like Adobe Illustrator. Now, even casual creators can harness the power of AI for both recreational and occasional professional use.
These updates are more than just convenience; they signal that AI’s text and image generation capabilities have reached a point of stable development. What was once an experimental novelty has matured into a reliable, practical tool that’s ready to go mainstream.
Much like the evolution of computers and the Internet, AI is following a familiar trajectory—from being an exclusive resource for specialists to becoming a universal utility. By bringing advanced AI functions to everyday users, Microsoft isn’t just changing software—it’s reshaping how we all interact with technology, one click at a time.
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