Microsoft is making yet another push to show that artificial intelligence can be more than just a buzzword. The company recently released a new set of AI features for its classic Windows apps Paint and Notepad, and one of them might sound surprisingly playful: AI-generated colouring books.
These features are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders but hint at what millions of Windows users may see soon. The goal appears to be simple: make everyday tools smarter and more useful with AI that feels tangible and fun, not just technical.
Let’s break down what’s new and why it matters.
Why This Matters: Making AI Practical and Creative
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said that real-world usefulness is the true test for AI’s long-term success. That means moving beyond demos and hype to features that people actually use in everyday life.
The latest updates to Paint and Notepad are a step in that direction — combining creativity, productivity, and practical value in tools people open every day.
1. Paint Gets an AI-Powered Colouring Book Feature
The standout addition is Colouring Book mode in Microsoft Paint. This is not just a simple art filter — it’s an AI tool that creates outline-style colouring pages from a text prompt you type.
Here’s how it works:
- Open Paint and choose the new Colouring Book option in the Copilot sidebar.
- Type a description like “a cute fluffy cat on a donut” or any scene you imagine.
- The AI will generate several outline images based on your prompt. You can then select your favourite to add to the canvas, copy, save, or print.
This feature is targeted at creativity and fun, whether you want to entertain kids, explore art ideas, or create custom pages for printing and colouring.
Copilot+ PCs Only
The colouring book feature is currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs — Microsoft’s premium, AI-ready Windows devices. This restriction shows how AI features are being linked to higher-end hardware first.
2. Fill Tolerance Slider: More Precision in Paint
Paint is also getting a more practical tweak for artists: a fill tolerance slider.
This slider lets you adjust how strict the Fill (bucket) tool is when it applies colour. Lower tolerance keeps the fill tight to the lines, while higher tolerance allows colour to bleed into more complex shapes. It’s a small but meaningful upgrade for anyone who uses Paint for artwork or design mock-ups.
3. Notepad Gets Smarter AI and Better Text Tools
Across from the creative side, Microsoft has also updated Notepad with improved AI text features and formatting tools.
Here’s what’s new:
- Streaming AI previews for Write, Rewrite, and Summarize — so results begin appearing quickly even while the full suggestion is still generating.
- Expanded Markdown support, including strikethrough and nested lists, which brings more formatting flexibility to plain text.
- A new welcome experience that highlights updates and helps users discover new capabilities in the app.
Notepad’s AI tools can refine your writing or summarise notes with less waiting and more interactivity — which makes the app more useful for writers, students, and professionals alike.
How to Try These Features Today
Right now, these updates are in the Windows Insider Program, specifically for users on the Canary and Dev channelsof Windows 11.
If you’re curious and want early access:
- Join the Windows Insider Program.
- Switch your device to the Dev or Canary channel.
- Ensure your system is a Copilot+ PC for full AI features.
Remember that these are preview features and may evolve before they reach the broader public.
What This Says About Microsoft’s AI Strategy
These updates are more than fun additions; they reflect a broader shift in how Microsoft thinks about AI:
- Practicality first. AI that helps with everyday tasks — from writing better notes to generating colouring pages — is now the goal.
- Integration everywhere. AI isn’t confined to Copilot chats anymore; it’s built into core apps users already use.
- Creativity meets productivity. Tools like AI colouring pages may seem light-hearted, but they also represent how AI can make software more accessible and fun.
The emphasis on real value over hype aligns with Nadella’s message that AI must prove its worth in the real world.
What’s Next
Microsoft plans to roll these features out to all Windows 11 users after feedback from Insiders. As AI becomes more embedded into Windows, expect future Paint, Notepad, and even core system tools to gain smarter capabilities.
Whether these creative features will help convince more people that AI is valuable in everyday life remains to be seen. But this update shows Microsoft is pushing that direction.
