Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows 11 for beta testers, which introduces a new Copilot button in the Paint application. This button provides additional AI features. Currently, Windows 11 Paint users can only access the “Image Creator,” which allows image content creation based on AI prompts. The new Copilot button will replace the Image Creator, offering more AI functionalities.
This update is part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3073 (KB5050090), available in the Windows Insider channels Canary and Dev for Windows 11. Earlier in November, Microsoft had already enhanced Notepad and Paint with more AI features. Now, these features are consolidated and expanded within the Copilot button. Clicking this button opens a menu offering the Cocreator, Image Creator, a generative eraser, and AI-assisted background removal.
The Copilot in Windows Paint showcases AI features. While the Image Creator generates an image solely based on text prompts, the Cocreator allows users to add to an existing sketch. The AI follows the user’s instructions. The generative eraser works similarly to the “Magic Eraser” known from Android smartphones. It fills the selected area to be erased with background-matched image information.
To use the Paint Image Creator in Windows 11, users need a subscription. Microsoft charges for using AI. Currently, the company suggests “AI credits” included in a Microsoft 365 subscription. This is likely to be the case for future Paint versions with the new Copilot button.
Another limitation is that the Cocreator feature in Paint (from version 11.2412.271.0) is only available on “Copilot-Plus-PCs.” These PCs have powerful NPUs (Neural Processing Units) like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon-X processors, Intel Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake), or AMD Ryzen AI 300. Microsoft mentions this in their blog post.
Such Copilot-Plus-PCs will also receive Microsoft’s enhanced Windows search when the current preview version is widely rolled out. This AI-based search uses semantic indexing, allowing image searches in the cloud. This feature will be accessible directly through the Windows Explorer search but is likely limited to Microsoft’s own cloud service, OneDrive.
With the enhanced Windows search, users can search for items like mountain bikes in the cloud. These advancements highlight Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its applications, providing users with more powerful and versatile tools.
The introduction of the Copilot button in Paint is part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to enhance user experience through AI. By integrating these features, Microsoft aims to make creative tasks more accessible and efficient for users. The use of AI in applications like Paint is a significant step towards more intelligent and intuitive software solutions.
Overall, these updates represent Microsoft’s commitment to leveraging AI to improve its products. As technology evolves, users can expect more innovative features that simplify tasks and enhance productivity. The integration of AI in Paint is just one example of how Microsoft is adapting to the changing technological landscape, ensuring its software remains relevant and useful in a rapidly advancing world.
