Microsoft has embarked on a transformative journey by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its classic Windows utilities—Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool. These enhancements aim to elevate user experience by introducing advanced functionalities that cater to both creative and productivity needs.

Background

For decades, Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool have been fundamental components of the Windows operating system, valued for their simplicity and utility. Notepad has served as a straightforward text editor, Paint as a basic image creation tool, and Snipping Tool as a convenient screenshot utility. Despite their enduring presence, these applications have seen minimal updates over the years.

AI-Powered Enhancements

Notepad

In November 2024, Microsoft introduced the 'Rewrite' feature in Notepad, leveraging generative AI to assist users in rephrasing sentences, adjusting tone, and modifying text length. This functionality enables users to refine their writing directly within the application, enhancing productivity and writing quality. To utilize this feature, users can select the desired text, right-click to choose 'Rewrite,' or use the Ctrl + I keyboard shortcut. Notepad then generates three alternative versions of the selected text, allowing users to select the most suitable option. This feature is available in preview to Windows 11 users in select regions, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany. A Microsoft account is required to access this functionality. [Source]

Paint

Paint has undergone significant enhancements with the introduction of AI-driven features:

  • Generative Fill: This tool allows users to make edits and additions to their artwork by inputting descriptive text prompts. The AI generates content that seamlessly integrates with the existing art style, facilitating a more intuitive creative process. Initially, this feature is available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. [Source]
  • Generative Erase: Users can remove unwanted objects from images, with the AI intelligently filling in the background to maintain visual coherence. This feature is accessible to all Windows 11 users, enhancing the application's utility for quick image edits. [Source]
  • Cocreator: An improved diffusion-based model delivers faster and more refined AI-generated art from user prompts, with built-in moderation to ensure a trustworthy creative experience. Cocreator is available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. [Source]
  • Image Creator: This feature, previously in preview, is expanding to additional markets, allowing users to generate images based on text prompts. It is available in preview to Windows 11 users in regions such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany. A Microsoft account is required to access this functionality. [Source]

Snipping Tool

In March 2025, Microsoft introduced the 'Draw & Hold' feature in Snipping Tool, enhancing the inking markup experience. This functionality assists users in drawing neat lines and shapes by converting freehand strokes into well-formed shapes when the cursor or pen is held still momentarily. Additionally, for developers, Snipping Tool now supports a new and improved protocol launch experience, allowing app callers to customize which capture features are shown when invoked from their experience. [Source]

Implications and Impact

The integration of AI into these utilities signifies a strategic shift by Microsoft to modernize and enhance the functionality of its core applications. By embedding AI capabilities, Microsoft aims to provide users with more powerful tools that streamline tasks and foster creativity. These enhancements are particularly beneficial for users seeking efficient ways to edit text and images without resorting to complex third-party software.

Moreover, these updates reflect Microsoft's commitment to making AI accessible and practical for everyday tasks, potentially setting a precedent for future software developments. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into standard applications, users can expect a more intuitive and efficient computing experience.

Technical Details

The AI features in Notepad and Paint are powered by advanced generative models capable of understanding and generating human-like text and images. These models have been fine-tuned to ensure that the generated content aligns with user inputs and maintains the integrity of the original material. The deployment of these features is currently in the preview phase, with availability limited to specific regions and hardware configurations. Users are required to sign in with their Microsoft accounts to access these functionalities, and certain features may consume AI credits associated with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. [Source]

Conclusion

Microsoft's integration of AI into Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool marks a significant evolution of these classic applications. By enhancing their capabilities with AI-driven features, Microsoft is not only preserving the simplicity and accessibility of these tools but also expanding their functionality to meet the demands of modern users. As these features continue to roll out and evolve, they are poised to redefine the user experience within the Windows ecosystem.