Imagine opening up Microsoft Paint—not for a quick doodle or a nostalgic blast from the past—but to discover a sleek new Copilot button ready to revolutionize your creative process. That’s right: Microsoft is infusing one of its most iconic applications with a fresh dose of AI magic, and Windows Insiders are the first to get a taste.

For decades, Microsoft Paint has been the beloved canvas for beginners and pros alike—a simple yet powerful tool for unleashing creativity. But in an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we interact with technology, even the humble Paint is not immune to change. Enter the Copilot button: a single icon that brings an array of generative features right to your fingertips.

For those who might have thought that AI was reserved only for cutting-edge software, this update is a delightful reminder that even the classics can be modernized. Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels are already seeing the new button emerge in the taskbar, a sign that Microsoft is determined to spread the AI love everywhere—from your keyboard to your favorite digital art program.

So, what exactly happens when you click on this mysterious icon? The answer lies in a well-crafted dropdown menu that aggregates several cutting-edge features designed to spark your creativity:

• Cocreator: Powered by technology based on OpenAI’s DALL-E, this tool is your go-to for generating fresh, unique images from scratch. Whether you’re sketching ideas for a project or simply exploring new artistic horizons, Cocreator makes it easier than ever to bring your visions to life.
• Image Creator: This feature takes the magic a step further by allowing you to modify and enhance images with a few simple clicks. It’s like having an AI-powered art assistant that’s always ready to help you refine your work.
• Generative erase: Ever wished you could simply “erase” parts of an image and have the computer intelligently fill in the gaps? With Generative Erase, that’s now a reality. It uses AI to analyze the surrounding context of an image and seamlessly replace the removed section, offering a smooth, almost magical editing experience.

Microsoft has been steadily weaving these AI-driven features into Paint over the past year. Initially, the DALL-E-inspired Cocreator was introduced in late 2023, followed by the rollout of generative fill options last fall. Now, bundling these capabilities under the Copilot umbrella not only streamlines the user experience but also reinforces Microsoft’s mission to democratize AI tools.

This isn’t just about giving Paint a facelift—it’s part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to embed AI deeply within its ecosystem. The Copilot initiative isn’t confined to a single product; instead, it’s a ubiquitous feature that Microsoft is placing in every nook and cranny of its software. From the omnipresent taskbar to even the physical keyboard (in some configurations), Copilot is becoming the go-to assistant for a multitude of tasks.

For many, the presence of AI in everyday applications might seem overkill. After all, isn’t Paint meant for simple, nostalgic sketches? But think of it this way: AI in Paint can help bridge the gap between amateur doodles and professional-quality artwork. It invites users to experiment and explore new creative avenues without the steep learning curve often associated with more advanced design software.

Microsoft’s recent update isn’t just about introducing new features—it’s about redefining the user experience. By integrating AI tools directly into the workflow of one of its most well-known applications, Microsoft is signaling that innovation isn’t reserved for high-end professional software. It’s something that can enhance even the most straightforward tools we use every day.

The Copilot button in Paint is just one piece of the puzzle. Alongside this exciting development, Windows 11 Insiders are also getting an update to the AI search functionality—a feature that has already been making waves since its preview debut earlier this month.

Traditionally, Windows search has been a bit of a mixed bag, especially when it comes to locating specific files or images. The improved AI search now extends its reach beyond local files to the cloud, meaning that when you perform a search, you’re not just combing through your device but also tapping into your online storage. This upgrade enables you to use natural language queries to find photos, documents, and more, with cloud files appearing seamlessly alongside local content.

This integrated search function is a boon for users who juggle work and personal files across different platforms. It streamlines the process of finding what you need, whether that’s an image stored in your local gallery or a document tucked away in your cloud storage. And with AI doing the heavy lifting, you can say goodbye to those frustrating moments of sifting through countless folders.