Microsoft Paint is getting a major facelift, and it’s not just about a prettier interface—it’s about supercharging a timeless Windows classic with built-in artificial intelligence. The familiar tool we’ve all used since the early days of Windows now boasts a brand-new Copilot hub, available directly within the Paint toolbar on Windows 11 without needing to be an Insider. This update, which surfaced just a few days ago after a routine Microsoft Store update, is set to redefine how users interact with Paint.
With the Copilot hub, Microsoft is setting a trend that blends the charm of a simple drawing program with the power of generative AI technologies. The move signals that even the most rudimentary tools can be reborn with modern AI, repositioning a classic application as a creative assistant for a new era of digital artistry.
How will these changes inspire your next digital masterpiece? With the Copilot hub, the canvas is truly yours to command.
Source: WindowsLatest Microsoft Paint has a new Copilot hub, and it's now rolling out on Windows 11 for everyone
Reinventing a Classic
Microsoft has a knack for bringing modern capabilities to longstanding software, and Paint is no exception. In early 2025, Microsoft began rolling out AI enhancements in Paint: first with the Generative Erase feature in January, followed by Image Creator in February. The latest twist is the consolidation of these features into one central “Copilot” hub button. Now, as soon as you launch Paint, the previous Image Creator shortcut is replaced by this new hub—inviting both casual doodlers and digital artists to explore a world of automated creativity.With the Copilot hub, Microsoft is setting a trend that blends the charm of a simple drawing program with the power of generative AI technologies. The move signals that even the most rudimentary tools can be reborn with modern AI, repositioning a classic application as a creative assistant for a new era of digital artistry.
Unpacking the Copilot Hub Features
At the heart of this update are three primary features seamlessly integrated into the Copilot menu. Let’s take a closer look at each one:Image Creator
- What It Does: Image Creator lets you generate artwork by simply describing what you envision. Once you select the option, a text box appears on the right side of Paint where you can enter your creative prompt.
- Style Options: A variety of artistic styles accompany the tool, including:
- Charcoal
- Ink Sketch
- Watercolor
- Oil Painting
- Digital Art
- Photorealistic
- Anime
- Pixel Art
- How It Works: After entering your description and selecting a style, clicking the Create button prompts Paint to generate three image variants. You can then choose your favorite, copy them, or save them to your local storage.
- Additional Requirements: You’ll need to sign in with your Microsoft account and have AI usage credits, a small detail that hints at how even built-in apps are being tied to cloud-based capabilities.
Generative Erase
- Purpose: Ever wished your drawing could magically repair itself? That’s exactly what Generative Erase offers. Simply mark the area you want removed, click apply, and let Paint’s AI take over.
- User Experience: By drawing over the unwanted element, you trigger an intelligent process that erases the selected object, making adjustments in a natural, almost magic-like way.
Background Removal
- Utility: The background removal feature stands out as a practical tool for anyone looking to create transparent images. By isolating the subject from the background, you can effortlessly convert your work into a transparent PNG.
- Impact: This function combines utility with aesthetic appeal, giving artists and designers a clean and simple way to prepare images for digital compositions, presentations, or social media graphics.
The Exclusive Cocreator Option
- A Limited-Edition Addition: There’s also a fourth option that appears in the Copilot hub called “Cocreator.” However, this advanced feature isn’t available on regular Intel or AMD PCs—it’s reserved for systems with NPU-based processors, such as the Snapdragon X Elite or Intel Lunar Lake.
- What It Offers: Cocreator takes your hand-drawn sketches and transforms them into professional-grade artwork, blurring the lines between a simple doodle and a digital masterpiece.
How to Get Started
If you’re eager to explore these innovations for yourself, the process is straightforward:- Update Microsoft Paint from the Microsoft Store.
- Open Paint on your Windows 11 device to discover the newly integrated Copilot hub.
- Select the feature you’d like to use—whether it’s the creative spark of Image Creator, the tidy utility of Generative Erase, or the background removal tool.
- For Cocreator, ensure your device is equipped with an NPU-based processor.
A New Era of Digital Creativity on Windows 11
The integration of the Copilot hub into Paint marks more than just an interface update—it’s a strategic evolution in how Windows 11 embraces modern computing. By embedding AI directly into a core component of the operating system, Microsoft is democratizing advanced digital tools that were once confined to specialized software. Here are a few broader implications:- Enhanced Usability: By consolidating AI-powered features into one easily accessible hub, the learning curve is minimized—making it accessible to everyone from hobbyists to professionals.
- Creative Empowerment: The ability to generate images from text, intelligently erase elements, or remove backgrounds with just a few clicks opens new avenues for creativity.
- Legacy Meets Innovation: This update underscores a key trend in Windows development: revamping beloved legacy applications with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring they remain relevant and exciting in an age where digital art and design are more important than ever.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Paint’s new Copilot hub is a shining example of how even the simplest tools can undergo a stunning transformation with the right blend of innovation and user feedback. This integration not only brings powerful AI capabilities to the forefront of everyday creative tasks but also reiterates Microsoft’s commitment to continuously evolving its core applications. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of the classic Paint or a modern digital artist ready to explore AI, this update is a testament to the endless possibilities when classic tools meet modern innovation.How will these changes inspire your next digital masterpiece? With the Copilot hub, the canvas is truly yours to command.
Source: WindowsLatest Microsoft Paint has a new Copilot hub, and it's now rolling out on Windows 11 for everyone