Familiar Windows apps get a smart upgrade to boost creativity and productivity
Microsoft has unveiled a raft of artificial intelligence-powered features across several of its classic Windows applications, aiming to make everyday computing smarter and more intuitive. As part of the latest update for Windows Insiders, users in the Canary and Dev Channels of Windows 11 will see significant upgrades to Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad, as the tech giant continues its push to integrate AI deeply into its ecosystem.
Paint gets a creative overhaul
The iconic Paint app is receiving a modern twist with three key AI-enabled features, designed to make image creation more fun, flexible and accessible.
1. Sticker Generator
One of the standout additions is a brand-new Sticker Generator. This AI-powered feature lets users type a simple prompt—such as “a cat wearing sunglasses”—and instantly receive a custom-made digital sticker. These stickers can be placed directly onto the canvas, copied into other applications, or saved for future use. A dedicated toolbar section now keeps all stickers accessible for quick reuse.
2. Object Select Tool
Paint also gains a smarter way to manipulate images through the Object Select tool. Utilising AI to identify and isolate elements in a picture, this feature allows users to make precise edits without the laborious process of manually tracing around the object. It significantly speeds up image editing and lends Paint a more professional edge.
3. New welcome experience
In an effort to ease newcomers into these fresh features, Microsoft has introduced a new welcome dialog. This short tutorial appears upon first launch and is also accessible anytime via the megaphone icon in the toolbar.
It’s worth noting that both Sticker Generator and Object Select are currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs and require a Microsoft account.
Snipping Tool gets smarter screen capture
The ever-reliable Snipping Tool is also being enhanced with two impressive new features aimed at improving usability for designers, developers, and general users alike.
1. Perfect Screenshot
With Perfect Screenshot, users can now rely on AI to automatically adjust the screenshot region to perfectly frame content. This eliminates the need for post-capture editing or resizing, ensuring screenshots are clean, accurate, and ready for use. It can be accessed from the toolbar or by simply holding Ctrl while selecting a capture area. This feature is also exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.
2. Colour Picker
Designed with visual professionals in mind, the new Colour Picker lets users hover over any part of the screen and grab the colour in HEX, RGB, or HSL format. The picker includes zoom functionality with scroll or Ctrl + / –, providing pixel-level precision when matching colours.
Notepad evolves with AI writing assistant
Notepad, one of the most basic yet enduring tools in the Windows suite, is getting a substantial upgrade through the integration of generative AI.
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The new feature, dubbed Write, allows users to generate, extend, or refine written content directly within the Notepad environment. Whether drafting quick notes or fleshing out ideas, users can simply right-click and choose Write, or activate it from the Copilot menu or using the Ctrl + Q shortcut.
The AI writing assistant proposes content based on the context of existing text and allows users to keep, modify, or discard suggestions with ease. This feature is available to users with a Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Enterprise, or Copilot Pro subscription, and also requires a Microsoft account.
A new era for familiar tools
These updates reflect Microsoft’s broader strategy to embed AI capabilities within everyday apps, ensuring users of all skill levels benefit from the productivity and creative potential AI can offer. By combining beloved tools with modern technology, Microsoft is transforming how people interact with Windows—not through entirely new software, but by making the tools they already know and love smarter than ever.
