On Friday, Microsoft unveiled a new Insider Preview build for Windows 11 that enhances both the Paint application and the overall functionality of Windows Search. This latest update, now accessible to Windows Insider participants in the Canary and Dev channels, introduces artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities through a newly added Copilot menu in Microsoft Paint. Furthermore, the updated Windows Search incorporates semantic indexing, which now includes support for files stored on OneDrive. Importantly, these upgrades are tailored for devices powered by the Snapdragon Copilot+ technology.
Microsoft Paint Introduces a Copilot Button
In a blog post, Microsoft outlined the enhancements featured in the latest beta update for Windows 11. This update is part of the Insider preview build version 26120.3073 (KB5050090) and is available through the Canary and Dev channels, though the company has not disclosed a timeline for a broader rollout to all users worldwide.
Over the past two years, Microsoft has integrated several AI-driven features into the Paint application. Among these is the Cocreator tool, which generates images based on users’ doodles. Users are given precise control over the degree of AI enhancement applied to their creations. Additionally, the Image Creator feature allows users to produce images from specific text prompts and selected art styles.
Paint also boasts a Generative Erase function, enabling users to remove unwanted elements from images by regenerating the background and achieving a seamless blend. The Remove Background feature simplifies the process of isolating subjects from images with a single click.
Copilot menu in Microsoft Paint
Photo Credit: Microsoft
The latest update consolidates all these image-enhancing features into the Copilot menu, conveniently located on the right side of the toolbar. Users can click the dropdown menu to see a list of available functionalities along with brief descriptions. Notably, access to the Cocreator feature is exclusive to users of the Copilot+ PCs.
In addition to these updates in Paint, Microsoft is also enhancing the semantic indexing capabilities within Windows Search. Originally launched in preview the previous month, this natural language search functionality will now extend support to photos and files stored in OneDrive’s cloud services. Like the new Paint features, this advancement is also limited to Copilot+ PC users.
