Microsoft is modernizing some of its most beloved Windows apps—Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad—by adding powerful AI-driven features as part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview release. Rolling out to users in the Canary and Dev Channels, these updates leverage generative AI and smart tools to enhance productivity and creativity, although many require Copilot+ PCs and Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
AI-Powered Creativity in Paint
The Paint app now includes an AI Sticker Generator that allows users to create custom stickers simply by typing text prompts, such as “cat wearing sunglasses.” These AI-generated stickers can be placed on the canvas, saved, or used in other apps. Additionally, the new AI-powered Object Select tool intelligently isolates and edits specific elements in images, simplifying complex editing tasks. Microsoft also introduced a new Welcome Experience to showcase Paint’s upgraded capabilities.
Smarter Screen Captures and Color Picking in Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool benefits from two AI-powered features: Perfect Screenshot, which automatically adjusts screenshot boundaries for a cleaner capture, and a Colour Picker that extracts exact color values like HEX, RGB, or HSL from anywhere on the screen. These tools are designed to streamline tasks for frequent screen capturers, designers, and developers.
Generative AI Writing Assistance in Notepad
Notepad now offers a “Write” feature, powered by generative AI, that helps users draft and expand text via prompts. By right-clicking or pressing Ctrl + Q, users can generate text snippets that can be edited or discarded as needed. Access requires a Microsoft account and an active Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot Pro.
These enhancements showcase Microsoft’s commitment to embedding AI tools throughout its software ecosystem, aiming to make everyday apps smarter and more intuitive for users.
