Microsoft Paint and Windows Search Get AI Upgrades: What You Need to Know

Ladies and gents, we’re entering an era where even the humble Microsoft Paint is stepping up its game. Yes, you heard me right—MS Paint, the tool you used to scribble during your childhood, is getting a shot of adrenaline in the form of Copilot integration. But that’s not all. Alongside this move, Microsoft is paving the way for smarter Windows with an improved AI-supported Windows Search. Let’s dissect what these changes mean for Windows users, PC enthusiasts, and the broader AI revolution Microsoft is spearheading.

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The New Frontier for Microsoft Paint: AI-Powered Creativity​

If we’re being honest, Paint has long been the Windows app we loved but never quite labeled as "feature-packed." With the unveiling of a Copilot menu, Microsoft is upping Paint's ante by placing advanced AI tools right at your fingertips. Think of this as Paint's version of leveling up in a video game—except the boss fight is no longer pixel art.

What’s in the Copilot Menu?​

Microsoft recently spilled the details during their Windows Insider program. The Copilot menu, which is now available for testing among Windows Insider members in the Dev and Canary Channels, consolidates all the AI-driven features of Paint under one umbrella. Here’s a taste of the magic:

• DALL-E-Powered Cocreator: Introduced back in 2023, this feature lets you generate art from text prompts. Type "a futuristic cityscape at dawn," and voilà, high-quality AI-rendered art appears in seconds.
• Generative Fill: Ever stared at a half-finished illustration and wished you had a magic wand to finish it? Enter generative fill—a feature that intuitively complements images with AI-based enhancements.
• Background Removal: No cumbersome manual selections here; Paint can now intelligently detect areas to remove and give you a clean background. Perfect for those DIY posters and memes.

Here's the kicker—most of these features will require you to use a Copilot+ PC, Microsoft's line-up of hardware optimized for AI tasks, powered by specialized chips (Snapdragon for now, Intel and AMD coming later). This is a deliberate move to spotlight Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft wants to ensure that these devices become synonymous with AI magic.

How to Access It?​

To access Paint's upgraded brilliance:

• Ensure you have Paint version 11.2412.271.0.
• Join the Insider Program in either the Canary or Dev channels.
• Own a Copilot+ PC for exclusive features—sorry, budget laptop users, no shortcuts here.

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File Explorer Learns to Think: Windows Search Gets AI Smarts​

It doesn’t stop at Paint—Microsoft is testing enhanced AI capabilities inside Windows Search via File Explorer. Forget laboring through endless folders or squinting at tiny file names. Now, AI in Windows Search is designed to think the way you do. Pretty soon, typing “Vacation pictures from Spain 2023” or “Marketing plan Excel file” will actually yield impressive, spot-on results.

How Does the Improved Windows Search Work?​

Here’s the lowdown:

• Natural Language Searching: Instead of memorizing file names, just describe what you’re looking for. The AI cross-checks your cloud-synced files, local storage, and metadata to pull up what you need.
• Cloud-Focused Accuracy: If your files are stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, AI bridges the gaps, even scanning document contents or pulling image keywords.
• Snapdragon Advantages for Now: While the upgraded search is currently exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, support for traditional x86 processors (Intel and AMD) is in the pipeline.

Imagine shouting, “Find the PDF I downloaded last night!” and letting the AI handle the grunt work. By incorporating these upgrades, Microsoft essentially transforms File Explorer into your personal Sherlock Holmes—minus the deerstalker and pipe.

Broader Implications​

This improvement in Windows Search hints at a future where your PC doesn’t just store data but actively helps you interpret and use it. Lazy? No way. Efficient? Absolutely.

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What Does This Mean for Copilot+ PCs?​

Let’s talk hardware: Copilot+ PCs are devices optimized to showcase the best of Microsoft’s AI ecosystem. While the AI tools like Paint’s Cocreator also work on standard Windows PCs, Copilot+ devices have exclusive locks on advanced features. Here's why:

• Chip-Level AI Acceleration: Devices with specialized processors (like Snapdragon) deliver faster and more efficient AI interactions. Think of it like cooking on gas versus cooking on an electric stove. Both work, but one is way faster.
• Exclusive Features to Drive Sales: By locking specific functionalities to Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is creating a premium category of devices to attract power users and enthusiasts.

Currently, Microsoft is fine-tuning these features through the Insider program. Judging from user feedback, Windows Search AI may become universally accessible down the line—but for now, having Copilot+ gear ensures an early slice of this futuristic pie.

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The Bigger Picture: Microsoft’s AI Play​

Microsoft has been weaving AI into the fabric of Windows for a while now, with Copilot as its poster child. This isn’t just about making apps smarter—this is about redefining how humans interact with technology. With these latest updates, the message is clear: AI isn’t just the future; it’s the present. Here are key takeaways from its largest players in this game:

Strategic Differentiation​

• Microsoft Paint and Windows Search are stepping up, but Copilot+ PCs act as a Trojan horse for PC sales. Unifying software advancements with exclusive hardware perks ensures deeper ecosystem buy-in.

Accessibility vs. Exclusivity​

• While altruistic accessibility for AI features sounds noble, exclusivity ensures profitability. AI advancements are expensive, after all, and Microsoft hopes its proprietary innovation will speed up Copilot adoption across professional and creative industries.

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What’s Next for Windows Users?​

While these tools are still in beta and accessible only to a niche audience, everyday users should expect them within their operating system by mid-2025. That brings a whole new world of casual creativity and productivity enhancements to the table. Imagine Paint as your go-to for professional creative tasks and File Explorer doing the heavy lifting for your work projects without breaking a sweat.

Key Questions to Consider:​

• Will exclusive features for Copilot+ PCs alienate average Windows users?
• Are these AI upgrades likely to add bloat, or will they remain lightweight and optimized?
• How soon can Intel and AMD users expect comparable versions of SnapDragon’s AI search advantages?

Let’s hear your thoughts on WindowsForum.com—what excites you most about these changes? And, do you think AI in Paint will redefine how we look at digital art tools? Drop a comment and join the buzz!

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Summary of Key Updates for Readers:

• Paint Copilot Menu: AI tools like DALL-E Cocreator and generative fill are coming to Paint, available now for Windows Insiders.
• Windows Search AI: Enhanced with natural language support, AI lets users find files based on descriptions.
• Exclusive Features: Copilot+ PCs pack special perks like faster AI processing, reaffirming the premium versus entry-level divide.

Stay tuned for more updates as these features roll out—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want a cyber-smart PC sidekick?

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Source: Windows Central This Microsoft app is the latest to get infused with Copilot