Microsoft Enhances Classic Windows 11 Paint App with Major AI Upgrade via Copilot

Unveiling the Copilot Button in Microsoft Paint: New AI Features in Windows 11 Build 26120

Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 Build 26120.3073 (KB5050090) to the Developer Channel as part of the Insider Program, while also offering it as an optional update for Windows Insiders on the Beta Channel. This build is noteworthy for introducing a game-changing feature: the new Copilot button integrated within the Paint application.

For those users on the Canary and Dev Channels, this update for Paint (version 11.2412.271.0 and higher) is also available, broadening the accessibility of these transformative features.

Over the past few years, Microsoft has been embedding AI into its native applications for Windows 11, and the recent trend of branding these features under the Copilot umbrella culminates in the addition of a Copilot icon in Paint. This new button consolidates existing AI functionalities, thus streamlining the user experience. Our in-depth testing confirms the value of this build.

Upon clicking the Copilot icon, users are presented with a drop-down menu showcasing familiar AI tools such as Cocreator, Image Creator, Generative Erase, and Remove Background. Each item in this menu includes a concise description of the respective tools, assisting users in selecting the right tool for their creative tasks.

It’s crucial to note that the Cocreator feature is device-specific, available exclusively on Copilot+ PCs. If you’re not using a Copilot+ PC, the Copilot button will still grant access to the other three powerful AI features.

Cocreator: Your Creative Companion

Cocreator is an innovative image generation tool that operates locally on Copilot+ PCs. Launched alongside the Copilot+ system last year, this feature leverages Neural Processing Units (NPU) to create images from user-defined prompts.

To utilize Cocreator, simply describe your desired drawing in the provided text box, set the appropriate creativity level and style, and let the software generate real-time images based on your drawings on the canvas. This feature not only enhances creativity but also significantly reduces the time needed for image creation.

Image Creator: Bringing Ideas to Life

Riding the wave of AI advancements, the Image Creator feature allows users to generate images from text prompts. Accessible via a simple click, this tool provides an interface where users can enter prompts and adjust creativity levels right in the Paint canvas.

The advantage of Copilot+ PCs is their capability to generate images locally, thanks to the enhanced performance of Snapdragon processors, thus providing a seamless experience. Users can also refine their prompts until they achieve the perfect image.

Generative Erase: Editing Made Easy

The Generative Erase feature gives users the power to eliminate unwanted parts of an image effortlessly. After selecting the area to be removed, the tool generates a fill based on nearby elements, blending the image and maintaining its visual integrity.

This feature is notable for its accessibility, as it doesn’t require artistic skills—just choose the area you want to erase, and the tool handles the rest. This enhances productivity for everyone, from casual users to experienced digital artists.

Remove Background: Simplified Layer Management

The “Remove Background”tool functions by processing the selected image within just a few seconds to extract the background automatically. The effectiveness of this feature relies heavily on the contrast between the foreground and background colors, as well as the image’s resolution.

Although these features were previously available within Microsoft Paint and Photos, their consolidation into a single Copilot button greatly improves accessibility, making image manipulation more intuitive for users. It’s important to mention that using the Image Creator requires AI credits, which are part of a Microsoft 365 subscription—as each generated set of images consumes one credit.

In addition to these innovative features, Windows 11 Build 26120 also includes minor improvements and repairs, notably an enhanced Windows Search that allows for natural language queries to locate files stored on OneDrive, providing a more intuitive search experience.

What are your thoughts on the newly introduced Copilot button in the Paint app? Share your feedback in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Copilot button in Microsoft Paint?

The Copilot button consolidates several AI features in Microsoft Paint, including Cocreator, Image Creator, Generative Erase, and Remove Background, making it easier for users to access and utilize these tools for creative image manipulation.

2. Which devices support the Cocreator feature in Paint?

Cocreator is only available on Copilot+ PCs, which harness the power of Neural Processing Units (NPU) for image generation. Users with older PCs or without this feature will not have access to Cocreator.

3. Do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use the Image Creator feature?

Yes, utilizing the Image Creator feature requires AI credits, which are included with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Each image set generated consumes one credit, allowing for a streamlined image creation experience.

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