Microsoft is integrating AI capabilities into Notepad and Paint, two applications that have been part of Windows for decades. The new features are available to users in the Canary and Dev channels for Windows 11, marking the company’s continued focus on incorporating machine learning into its software ecosystem.
Notepad’s New Rewrite Tool
First introduced in 1983, Notepad has long been known for its simplicity, but Microsoft has now added an AI-powered Rewrite feature. The tool assists users in modifying text, offering options to rephrase, adjust tone, or change length. Users can access it functionality through right-clicking highlighted text, selecting the “Rewrite” option in the toolbar, or using the Ctrl + I keyboard shortcut. The tool presents three rewritten variations, enabling users to choose the one that best suits their needs or request additional options.
The new addition is currently in preview for users in regions such as the U.S., UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Canada. For access, users must be signed in with a Microsoft account, while Microsoft 365 subscribers in regions like Australia and New Zealand can leverage AI credits to use the new feature. This marks a significant shift in Notepad’s functionality, aligning it with more modern text-editing tools that incorporate machine learning.
AI-Powered Editing Tools for Paint
Paint, a staple of Windows since 1985, now features generative fill and generative erase capabilities. Generative fill allows users to select an image area and add or modify elements using text descriptions. The new Paint feature offers multiple options that seamlessly blend new additions with the original image. Users begin by selecting an area with the rectangle or free-form tool, typing a description, and reviewing the generated results.
Generative erase, on the other hand, helps users remove parts of an image while reconstructing the background. It can beinitiated by selecting sections of the canvas and using the eraser tool or the right-click menu. While generative fill requires Snapdragon-powered, Copilot+ certified devices, generative erase is available on all Windows 11 PCs.
Cocreator and Prior AI Integrations
Paint’s recent updates build upon its Cocreator feature, which debuted in September 2023 for Windows Insiders. Powered by the OpenAI DALL-E model, Cocreator generates images from textual input, making it easier for users to produce custom art without specialized software. By June 2024, Microsoft extended Cocreator’s availability to all Windows 11 users who met hardware requirements, including PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) capable of handling intensive AI tasks. NPUs are specialized chips designed to accelerate AI workloads, enabling smoother and faster performance for these new tools.
Requirements and Privacy Considerations
Users interested in trying these AI features must update Paint and Notepad through the Microsoft Store and meet system requirements. Generative tools like Cocreator and generative fill require Copilot+ certified PCs with NPUs that support at least 40 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) for optimal functionality.
Intel’s Core Ultra processors with Intel AI Boost are supported through DirectML, with the Lunar Lake NPU delivering up to 48 TOPS. Similarly, AMD’s Ryzen AI 300-series processors feature NPUs capable of 50 TOPS, making them suitable for AI-enhanced Windows experiences.
In addition, a stable internet connection and an active Microsoft account are necessary for accessing these services, as cloud connectivity supports the data processing.
Microsoft emphasizes that while it collects device identifiers and user prompts to monitor and prevent misuse, it does not store the outputs of these interactions. This approach aims to balance feature availability with user privacy, though some have raised concerns about data collection practices. The company’s requirement for account-based access to Windows 11 and its features highlights an ongoing shift towards more integrated user tracking and cloud services.
Gradual Rollout and Future Developments
Microsoft’s method of introducing new features through the Windows Insider program helps the company gather valuable user feedback before larger releases. This strategy was evident when a leak in January 2024 revealed an inactive “Cowriter” function in Notepad, hinting at future AI updates. With the current launch of the Rewrite tool, Notepad has officially joined the roster of Windows applications enhanced by machine learning.
Paint’s transformation, which has moved from a basic drawing program to an app equipped with sophisticated image editing capabilities, reflects Microsoft’s ongoing evolution. Generative tools not only broaden what Paint can do but make it a competitor in a space previously dominated by more specialized software. These updates underscore Microsoft’s ambition to integrate AI deeply into its applications, bridging everyday utility with advanced technology.
