Microsoft Paint’s cool new AI ‘Restyle’ rolls out to Windows Insiders on Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out a new AI-powered Restyle feature in Paint to Windows Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels on Windows 11, enabling quick art-style transformations directly from the Copilot menu. The update ships as app version 11.2509.441.0 and requires a Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PC with Microsoft account sign-in, authored by Dave Grochocki of Windows Inbox Apps.

What’s New in Paint

Microsoft has begun rolling out Restyle, an AI feature in Paint that transforms the artistic style of images right on the canvas, to Windows Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels on Windows 11. The feature ships in Paint version 11.2509.441.0 and represents the latest addition to Microsoft’s growing collection of AI-powered tools within Windows inbox apps.​

Restyle joins other AI features already available in Paint, including Cocreator for generating artwork from prompts, generative fill and erase capabilities, and background removal tools. This expansion continues Microsoft’s strategy of integrating artificial intelligence across traditional Windows applications that have served users for decades.​

How Restyle Works

The new feature operates through a streamlined process designed for quick creative transformations. Open Paint, choose Restyle from the Copilot menu, pick from preset styles, and hit Generate to produce AI-restyled variations of your current image. The system offers various artistic styles including pop art, sketch, cyberpunk, and impressionist options, allowing users to experiment with different visual aesthetics.​

Once the AI generates the restyled images, you can add a result back to the canvas, copy it for use elsewhere, or save it for later projects, keeping the entire workflow within the app’s familiar interface. This integration ensures that users don’t need to switch between multiple applications to achieve artistic transformations.​

System Requirements and Availability

Restyle is currently available exclusively on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and requires signing in with a Microsoft account to access the AI processing capabilities. The hardware limitation reflects Microsoft’s strategy of leveraging on-device AI processing power found in newer Copilot+ PC systems.​

The update is rolling out now to Insiders as Paint version 11.2509.441.0 across all three Insider channels – Canary, Dev, and Beta – on Windows 11. This broad Insider deployment suggests Microsoft is gathering comprehensive feedback before a potential wider release to all Windows 11 users.​

Microsoft’s AI Integration Strategy

The Restyle feature represents part of Microsoft’s broader push to infuse AI capabilities across Windows applications. Similar functionality has previously appeared in Microsoft’s Designer and Photos applications, demonstrating the company’s approach of expanding successful AI features across its software ecosystem.​

However, the exclusive availability on Copilot+ PCs highlights the hardware requirements necessary for advanced AI processing, potentially limiting access for users with older systems. This approach aligns with Microsoft’s vision of next-generation Windows experiences powered by dedicated AI hardware.​

Feedback and Future Development

Microsoft encourages Insiders to submit feedback via Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint to help refine Restyle during the preview period. The company specifically seeks user input on performance, style quality, and overall usability as the feature moves through testing phases.​​ If you didn’t already grab them, Microsoft has a set of 11th anniversary wallpapers you can download to celebrate the Windows Insider Program.