Windows 11 Insiders Get Major Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad Updates With AI and Creative Features Leading the Way

Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad App Updates Begin Rolling Out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft continues its rapid cadence of Windows app evolution with the September 17 rollout of new updates for Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad to Windows Insiders on Canary and Dev Channels. These updates combine greater creative flexibility, workflow efficiency, and integration of smart AI features on Windows 11—particularly for Copilot+ PCs.

Paint: Editable Project Files and Opacity Control for Creative Power

Paint now supports a completely new way for creators and students to save and revisit their graphic projects. With the introduction of project files, users can store their paintings as editable “.paint” files. This enables seamless pause-and-resume workflows: simply choose “Save as project” from the File menu and return to your work at any time, eliminating the risk of losing progress or creativity in complex compositions.

A second major enhancement is the addition of an opacity slider for the Pencil and Brush tools. Artists can now fine-tune the transparency of their strokes, layering subtle blends and effects for more nuanced drawings. The slider is located beside the canvas and works in tandem with existing size controls, allowing for multi-dimensional creativity. Try mixing both sliders to experiment with smooth transitions and transparent overlays—valuable for both digital artists and casual users.

Additionally, select Copilot+ PCs now offer intelligent features like the AI-powered sticker generator, allowing users to create and apply custom stickers based on text prompts, and an object select tool to smartly isolate elements in images for refined editing.

Snipping Tool: Instant Quick Markup and Smarter Workflows

With Snipping Tool version 11.2508.24.0, Microsoft introduces the Quick markup feature, facilitating swift annotation of screenshots before they’re finalized. On launch (Win + Shift + S or direct app start), a new “Quick markup” toggle appears in the capture toolbar. While capturing a selection, users can enable this feature (also available via Ctrl + E) to annotate images immediately—circled highlights, written comments, and visual markers powered by integrated pen, highlighter, eraser, shapes, and even emojis. The ability to re-crop selections with perimeter grabbers adds further polish for perfect captures.

For sharing, users can leverage direct integration with Bing Visual Search, Copilot, and quick sharing options—with the caveat that images shared this way are not automatically saved or copied to the clipboard, so workflow planning is key for repeat processes. For designers and power users, AI-powered add-ons like the new Perfect screenshot and Color picker tools are also available, especially impactful on Copilot+ machines.

Notepad: Accessible AI Summarization, Writing, and Rewriting on Copilot+ PCs

Notepad steps up as a surprisingly powerful text creation and editing assistant, now equipped with premium AI tools—Summarize, Write, and Rewrite—on Copilot+ PCs. These AI-powered functions support input and generation in English without a subscription, although Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscribers can unlock cloud-based enhancements and credits, helping users tailor text locally or in the cloud depending on workflow and privacy needs.

Users can access these features by right-clicking in Notepad or selecting options in the Copilot menu. The Write function lets users generate new drafts from a prompt, while Rewrite enables paraphrasing, tone changes, and text length modification. Both tools democratize access to advanced content creation—making Notepad, once thought of as a barebones editor, a compelling writing companion. Leave feedback for Notepad as needed.

How to Try the New Features and Provide Feedback

1. All features are now rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels, with expansion to Beta and Preview expected soon.

2. Users eager to test and provide feedback are encouraged to use Feedback Hub under the appropriate app category—Paint, Notepad, or Snipping Tool.

3. These features generally require the latest Windows Insider build and may require a Copilot+ PC or compatible hardware for certain AI features.

Ongoing Expansion

With ongoing expansion in creative and productivity features on built-in Windows apps, Microsoft is cementing its commitment to integrated AI and user-driven innovation. The frequent updates, driven in part by rich Insider feedback, help set the stage for more accessible and intelligent workflows—removing friction for mainstream users and enabling professionals to achieve more on Windows.

Windows enthusiasts can expect continued rollouts and experimentations—especially in project-based editing, AI-powered content creation, and automated image markup tools—across the Insider Program’s update stream.