Microsoft Adds Streamed AI Features to Notepad and Paint for Windows 11 Insiders

Microsoft has deployed significant updates to its core Windows applications, bringing AI capabilities directly into Notepad and Paint for Windows 11 Insiders. These changes, currently rolling out to Canary and Dev Channel testers, represent Microsoft's continued integration of generative AI across its productivity ecosystem.

Notepad's AI Writing Assistant

The updated Notepad (version 11.2512.10.0) introduces three AI-powered features accessible via a new toolbar:

• Write: Generates text based on prompts
• Rewrite: Rephrases existing content
• Summarize: Condenses lengthy passages

According to Dave Grochocki, Principal Group Product Manager for Windows Inbox Apps, results now "start to appear quicker without the need to wait for the full response, providing a preview sooner that you can interact with." This streaming functionality displays partial results immediately rather than making users wait for complete generation.

Access requires signing in with a Microsoft account, and the application now includes:

1. Expanded Markdown support (nested lists, strikethrough)
2. New welcome screen for feature discovery
3. Persistent access to new feature notifications via toolbar icon

Paint's AI Coloring Book

The updated Paint (version 11.2512.191.0) introduces:

• AI Coloring Book: Generates coloring pages from text prompts (example)
• Fill Tolerance Slider: Precision control for color fill boundaries

The Coloring Book feature has significant limitations:

• Exclusively available on Copilot+ PCs
• Requires Microsoft account authentication
• Generates multiple options users can save or copy to canvas

Practical Implications

For Windows Insiders:

• Features require latest Canary/Dev Channel builds
• AI functionality demands persistent internet connection
• Enterprise users can disable via settings or revert to legacy notepad.exe

Privacy Considerations:

• Microsoft account binding means AI interactions are logged
• Cloud processing may transmit document contents
• Organizations should evaluate data handling policies

Feedback Mechanism: Microsoft encourages bug reports via the Feedback Hub under Apps > Notepad or Apps > Paint

This update follows September's announcement of free AI features for Copilot+ PC users and Paint's recent addition of Photoshop-like project files. While streamlining creative workflows, these changes continue Microsoft's pattern of integrating cloud-dependent AI into fundamental Windows components - a strategy that both enhances capabilities and increases platform dependency.

Administrator Note: Group Policy controls for these features are expected in future enterprise builds, but currently require manual configuration or application removal for restriction.