Windows 11 gains AI upgrades for 3 apps, limited availability

Microsoft is expanding AI capabilities across its native Windows 11 applications with new features for Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool. These additions represent Microsoft’s ongoing integration of AI into everyday productivity tools, though many require either a Microsoft 365 subscription or a specialized Copilot+ PC with a neural processing unit (NPU).

The big picture: Microsoft is adding AI-powered content generation to Notepad while enhancing Paint and Snipping Tool with intelligent selection features.

• Notepad is gaining the ability to generate written content from scratch through a new ‘Write’ option in version 11.2504.46.0, currently available only to Windows 11 testers.
• The feature also includes ‘Rewrite’ functionality that allows users to refine AI-generated text by changing its length or tone.

Key details: The new Notepad writing feature requires Microsoft’s credit-based system that limits usage based on subscription level.

• Users need either a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription to access the feature, with Personal or Family plans providing 60 AI credits monthly.
• These credits are shared across all Microsoft applications that utilize AI-powered features.

Where hardware matters: Many of the new AI features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with specialized neural processing hardware.

• The Snipping Tool is receiving a ‘perfect screenshot’ function that intelligently refines roughly selected screen areas.
• Paint is gaining two Copilot+ exclusive features: an object selection tool and a sticker generator that creates images based on text descriptions.
• Paint is also adding a new welcome experience that will be available to all Windows 11 users regardless of hardware.

Behind the concerns: The article notes potential drawbacks to these additions.

• There are concerns that adding more complex features could make Notepad less streamlined and potentially slower.
• The hardware and subscription requirements create a tiered experience across the Windows 11 user base.