Windows Insiders Get Exciting AI-Powered Updates to Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad in Latest Canary and Dev Preview Build

Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels are receiving a significant update to some of the platform’s most iconic apps: Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad. Announced on May 22, 2025, by Dave Grochocki on the official Windows Insider Blog, these enhancements bring new AI-driven features and improved usability, further integrating Microsoft’s Copilot AI ecosystem into the everyday Windows experience.

Paint: Creative AI Stickers, Smart Selection, and a New Welcome Experience

Paint (version 11.2504.451.0) introduces three major new features aimed at both new and seasoned users:

• Sticker Generator: This AI-powered tool allows users to create custom stickers simply by typing a prompt. For example, typing “a cat wearing sunglasses” will generate a set of unique stickers based on the description. Users can apply these stickers directly to their canvas, copy them for use in other apps, or save them for later. The new Stickers option in the Paint toolbar provides quick access to recently generated stickers. Note: The sticker generator requires a Copilot+ PC and a Microsoft account.

• Object Select: Leveraging AI, the new object select tool enables users to isolate and edit individual elements within an image with pinpoint accuracy. This feature is designed for intuitive editing, making it easy to select and manipulate specific parts of a drawing or photo.

• Welcome Experience: A new welcome dialog helps users discover and learn about Paint’s latest features. This can be revisited at any time by clicking the megaphone icon in the toolbar, ensuring both newcomers and returning users can quickly get up to speed.

Snipping Tool: Perfect Screenshot and Color Picker

Snipping Tool (version 11.2504.38.0) receives two powerful new tools:

• Perfect Screenshot: This AI-powered feature allows users to capture precisely the content they want on screen, eliminating the need for manual cropping or resizing after the fact. Users can activate perfect screenshot via the Snipping Tool capture toolbar or by holding the Ctrl key while selecting a region. The tool intelligently resizes the selection based on the content, ensuring a perfect capture every time. Perfect screenshot is available only on Copilot+ PCs.

• Color Picker: A new color picker tool lets users select and inspect any color on their screen, displaying HEX, RGB, or HSL values. Zooming in with the mouse wheel or Ctrl shortcuts allows for even greater precision. This feature is ideal for designers, developers, and anyone needing to match colors for projects.
  

Notepad: AI-Powered Writing Assistance

Notepad (version 11.2504.46.0) now features generative AI integration:

Write Feature: Users can draft new content or expand existing text using AI. By placing the cursor or selecting text, right-clicking, and choosing “Write” (or using the Copilot menu or Ctrl + Q shortcut), users can enter a prompt and receive AI-generated output directly in their document. The output can be kept or discarded, and users can refine it further with follow-up prompts. To use this feature, a Microsoft account is required, and Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Enterprise, or Copilot Pro subscribers can use AI credits for extended usage. AI features can be disabled in app settings if preferred.

Community Feedback and Availability

Microsoft encourages Windows Insiders to share their feedback via the Feedback Hub (WIN + F), under the respective app categories. These updates are rolling out to Canary and Dev Channel users now, with many features exclusive to Copilot+ PCs and requiring a Microsoft account for full functionality.

These updates represent Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI into its core productivity apps, making creative and professional tasks faster, easier, and more intuitive for everyone.