Unlocking AI in Windows 11: Introducing Generative Erase in Photos App

Windows enthusiasts, gather around—there’s a new trick up the sleeve of the Windows 11 Photos app that’s bound to pique your interest. With AI making its ever-expanding mark on everyday software, Microsoft is stepping up its game by integrating a feature known as Generative Erase into the Photos app. This new functionality allows you to remove unwanted objects or details from your images with an ease that traditional tools have long struggled to deliver.

What Is Generative Erase?​

At its core, Generative Erase is an AI-driven feature designed to “erase” selected areas in an image and seamlessly blend the background. Imagine being able to remove distracting text overlays, stray objects, or even sensitive information from your photos without needing to dive into the complexities of Photoshop. The method is straightforward: select the object you want to remove and let the built-in AI work its magic.
Microsoft has been no stranger to integrating AI into its suite of tools, and with both the Paint and Photos apps taking inspiration from this trend, the latest addition in the Photos app marks another step toward smarter, more intuitive image editing.

How to Use the Feature: A Step-by-Step Guide​

The process to remove objects in the Windows 11 Photos app is designed to be as simple as possible, even for users who aren’t professional photo editors. Here’s how you can get started:

• Open Your Image: Simply double-click any photo in File Explorer, and it will open by default in the Photos app.
• Enter Edit Mode: Click on the Edit button to access a new window filled with intuitive editing options.
• Select the Erase Tool: Choose the Erase option from the menu. This is where the magic happens.
• Adjust the Brush Size: For precise control over the area you want to remove, adjust the brush size. For broader areas, a setting around 50 might work best.
• Erase the Unwanted Object: Use your adjusted brush to carefully cover the object, text, or background details you wish to remove. The AI will auto-apply the changes, attempting to blend the area with the surrounding content.

In one test case, a basic Windows 11 OOBE page image had its top text and a button erased with near-perfection. However, as is often the case with early AI implementations, it sometimes struggles when faced with complex backgrounds or intricate visual elements.

Real-World Testing and Observations​

During initial tests, users reported mixed results:

• Text and Button Removal: On a straightforward Windows 11 interface image, the tool quickly erased the text and button—almost as if they were never there.
• Icon Removal in a Dark-Themed UI: When applied to an icon on a black Settings page, the tool sometimes left behind a noticeable blue spot, indicating that the blend wasn’t entirely seamless.
• Group Photos: The challenge increased with more detailed images. In one experiment on a group photo from Pexels, attempts to remove a person or even an object like a glass resulted in distorted backgrounds, demonstrating that the AI isn’t yet perfect for every scenario.

The Verdict: A Promising but Imperfect Tool​

While Microsoft’s Generative Erase in the Windows 11 Photos app introduces an exciting new way to modify images, it's clear that this tool is best suited for simpler tasks. For nuanced image edits—like erasing a glass from a hand or removing objects in final professional presentations—advanced applications like Photoshop or even the more granular controls found in the Paint app might still be necessary.
Moreover, Microsoft’s ongoing development in this area hints that more robust features, such as a Generative Fill option, could soon make their way into future updates. However, for now, these advanced editing options remain part of exclusive, subscription-based experiences tied to Microsoft 365 and designated Copilot+ PCs.

Broader Implications for Windows Users​

This new AI functionality in the Photos app is a glimpse into a broader shift toward intelligent, user-friendly design in Microsoft's ecosystem. Not only does it simplify basic photo editing, but it also underscores Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI in everyday tools—a move that could redefine how we interact with our devices.
For Windows users who enjoy tweaking their photos or need quick fixes without the complexity of a full-blown editing suite, Generative Erase is a welcome addition. It’s a reminder that even as professional tools remain indispensable, the everyday user is finally receiving technology that makes editing accessible and fun.

Conclusion​

The integration of AI into the Windows 11 Photos app showcases the rapid evolution of software capabilities available to everyday users. While Generative Erase may not yet be the perfect solution for all image-editing challenges, it offers a straightforward, native tool that can handle basic removals effectively. As Microsoft continues to refine these AI features, expect even more intuitive and powerful tools to emerge in future updates.
What do you think about this new feature? Have you already experimented with it on your Windows 11 device? Share your experiences and tips on our forum—we’d love to hear how you’re harnessing AI in your daily digital life!

---

Stay tuned for more insights into the latest Windows 11 updates, Microsoft security patches, and other tech news right here at WindowsForum.com.

---

Source: YTECHB How to Erase Objects in Windows 11 Photos app using AI