There’s AI Inside Windows Paint and Notepad Now. Here’s How to Use It
In a move that blends nostalgia with innovation, Microsoft has quietly transformed two of its most iconic applications—Paint and Notepad—by infusing them with artificial intelligence. These humble tools, familiar to generations of Windows users, have taken a giant leap forward with AI-powered features that aim to enhance creativity, productivity, and ease of use. Whether you’re sketching a concept or jotting down ideas, the new AI capabilities in Paint and Notepad are designed to make your experience smarter and more intuitive than ever before.
Here’s a closer look at what’s new and how you can make the most of these enhancements.
AI-Powered Paint: Creativity Gets a Smart Boost
Microsoft Paint, once a basic pixel editor known for simplicity rather than sophistication, now comes with AI features that push its functionality into the modern era. Integrated through Windows Copilot and powered by Azure OpenAI Service, these updates are designed to help users—from hobbyists to digital artists—create more efficiently and imaginatively.
1. Background Removal Tool
One of the standout features in the AI-enhanced Paint is the Background Removal Tool. With just one click, users can automatically remove the background from an image, isolating the subject with remarkable accuracy. This is ideal for creating:
- Profile pictures
- Marketing materials
- Design prototypes
How to Use It:
- Open an image in Paint.
- Click on the “Remove Background” button from the top toolbar.
- The background is removed instantly, and you can fine-tune the result using brushes and erasers.
This feature brings a layer of sophistication typically found in apps like Photoshop, but with the simplicity Paint users are accustomed to.
2. AI Image Generation (Coming Soon)
Microsoft is also testing AI image generation capabilities through integration with DALL·E, OpenAI’s powerful text-to-image model. This allows users to enter a prompt—like “a cat riding a bicycle in space”—and Paint will generate a corresponding image.
While still in beta, this feature holds immense potential for creating original art or illustrations with minimal effort.
Notepad Gets Smarter: Welcome to AI-Assisted Writing
Notepad, the text editor that has been part of Windows since the 1980s, has also received an AI upgrade. What was once a bare-bones app for simple notes or code snippets now includes intelligent features that streamline writing, summarizing, and even code review.
1. AI Summarization with Copilot
If you’re working with long notes, documents, or logs, the Copilot summarization tool in Notepad can save you serious time. With one click, it condenses your content into key points, offering a clear overview of what’s important.
How to Use It:
- Open a long text file in Notepad.
- Click on the Copilot icon in the toolbar.
- Select “Summarize” from the menu.
- A summary will appear in a side panel or below the text, depending on your layout.
This is especially helpful for:
- Students
- Journalists
- Anyone who frequently reviews lengthy documents
2. Natural Language Queries
Notepad now allows you to search and interact with text using natural language. Instead of using Ctrl+F and exact keywords, you can now type something like:
“Where does the report mention project delays?”
…and get highlighted results.
3. Grammar and Style Suggestions
Borrowing a page from Microsoft Word, Notepad now includes grammar and style corrections, powered by AI. While still in the early stages, this feature helps users catch:
- Passive voice
- Complex sentences
- Basic grammatical issues
This makes it useful for both casual writers and coders alike.
Why AI in Paint and Notepad Matters
Microsoft’s move to incorporate AI into Paint and Notepad might seem minor on the surface, but it signals a broader shift in how the company is integrating AI into the daily workflow of Windows users.
By enhancing these fundamental tools, Microsoft is democratizing access to intelligent features that were once confined to advanced software suites.
It’s a subtle, but powerful way to bring AI into the hands of millions—no new software to install, no steep learning curve. Whether you’re editing an image for a school project or writing notes during a meeting, the AI quietly works alongside you, making everyday tasks easier and faster.
Privacy and Performance Considerations
Naturally, users may have concerns about privacy and data usage with AI features. Microsoft has stated that the AI operations are handled either:
- Locally
- Or securely through its Azure cloud services
Note: Summarization and image generation may require an internet connection and are subject to Microsoft’s privacy guidelines.
As for performance:
- These features are available in the latest versions of Windows 11
- Especially in systems updated with the 2024 AI enhancements and running on capable hardware
- Users are encouraged to keep their OS and apps updated to access these features fully
Getting Started: Tips for Users
If you’re eager to try out the new AI features in Paint and Notepad, here’s how to get started:
1. Ensure You’re Running the Latest Windows 11 Build
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates
2. Enable Windows Copilot (If Available)
- The AI features are integrated through Copilot, accessible via the taskbar or shortcut (Windows + C)
3. Open Paint or Notepad
- You’ll notice new icons and options in the toolbar, such as “Remove Background” or “Copilot”
4. Experiment and Explore
- Use the tools creatively. The best way to understand their power is by applying them to real tasks
The Future of Everyday AI
As Microsoft continues to integrate AI into more Windows applications, these updates to Paint and Notepad may be only the beginning. Rumors suggest that AI-driven features are in the pipeline for apps like:
- File Explorer
- Photos
- Windows Settings
These tools remind us that artificial intelligence doesn’t have to be overwhelming or confined to data scientists and engineers. Instead, it can quietly enhance the tools we already know and love—making our everyday work faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
