Microsoft Paint and Notepad gain AI coloring books and faster text generation for Windows 11

Microsoft Paint Introduces AI Coloring Book Feature for Digital Illustrations

Microsoft is rolling out new AI features to its Paint and Notepad applications on Windows 11, targeting Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels with capabilities that push these traditionally simple tools into more advanced territory1

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. The most notable addition is an AI coloring book feature in Paint version 11.2512.191.0, which generates blank coloring templates based on text prompts3

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. Users can access this through the Coloring book option in Paint's Copilot menu, entering descriptions like "a cute fluffy cat on a donut" to receive four different design options1

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. These generated pages can be added to the canvas, copied, saved, or printed for traditional coloring with physical art materials5

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The AI coloring book feature is exclusively available on Copilot+ PCs and requires Microsoft account login, suggesting Microsoft's strategy to make its AI-infused devices more marketable rather than responding to specific user demand1

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. According to Dave Grochocki, Principal Group Product Manager for Windows Inbox Apps, these application updates aim to expand creativity and productivity options3

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. Microsoft Paint also receives a fill tool tolerance slider that works across all hardware, not just Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to adjust how precisely the Fill tool applies color to the canvas1

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Notepad Gains Faster AI Text Generation and Enhanced Markdown Support

Notepad version 11.2512.10.0 now streams artificial intelligence-generated results for its Write, Rewrite, and Summarize features, displaying previews faster without requiring users to wait for complete responses3

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. "Whether generated locally or in the cloud, results for Write, Rewrite, and Summarize will start to appear quicker without the need to wait for the full response, providing a preview sooner that you can interact with," Grochocki explained2

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. These AI features, which integrate with GPT technology, require users to sign in with their Microsoft account to access cloud-based functionality4

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The text editor expands its lightweight formatting capabilities with additional Markdown syntax features, including strikethrough formatting and nested lists1

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. Users can apply these formatting options through keyboard shortcuts, the formatting toolbar, or direct Markdown syntax in their documents3

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. Markdown support first arrived in Notepad last June, with table support added in November 2025, marking a continued evolution of the once-humble text editor2

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Welcome Screen and User Feedback Concerns

Notepad now includes a welcome screen that appears during first launch, designed to guide users through the app's latest features2

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. According to Microsoft, "this dialog provides a quick overview of what's possible in Notepad and serves as a helpful starting point for both new and returning users"2

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. The welcome experience can be closed and reopened later by clicking a megaphone icon in the top-right toolbar1

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However, questions remain about whether these updates address actual user needs. When The Register asked Microsoft to share user feedback that demanded these enhancements, a spokesperson said they would reply if there was anything to share but did not follow up2

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. Both Notepad and Microsoft Paint have evolved far beyond their simple origins as basic Windows tools, but critics argue they've become intermediate applications that leave behind users who just want to edit text or manipulate pixels without generative AI and add-ons getting in the way2

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. Users who don't want the new AI features can disable them in settings or uninstall the Windows Notepad app and use the built-in notepad.exe program3

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These updates come as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently stated that AI still needs to prove its worth for long-term societal adoption, making the timing of these Copilot AI-powered features particularly noteworthy4

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. Microsoft encourages users to submit feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub under the Apps category to help identify bugs and improve functionality3

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