Microsoft is increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence into its everyday Windows applications. Even the most nostalgic tools are receiving modern enhancements. Notably, Paint and Notepad—two of the platform’s simplest and most enduring applications—are now being upgraded with AI capabilities designed to boost creativity and productivity.
The most exciting development comes from Microsoft Paint. Traditionally viewed as a basic drawing application, Paint is now transitioning into the AI age with its new ability to generate colouring books using simple text prompts. Users can input requests such as animals, landscapes, or fantasy scenes, and the app quickly creates clean, black-and-white outlines reminiscent of traditional colouring book pages.
These AI-generated pages can be colored digitally or printed for offline use, making this feature ideal for children, hobbyists, and even educators. Instead of manually sketching illustrations, users can now create ready-made templates in mere seconds, transforming Paint into a more versatile creative platform.
To use this feature, users need to navigate to the colouring book option in Paint’s settings and enter prompts in the provided text box. The system then generates the artwork automatically. However, Microsoft has not yet made this widely available; currently, these tools are accessible only to Windows Insider testers who help identify any issues before a broader public release.
Moreover, Microsoft is linking some of these new experiences to its latest Copilot+ PCs, requiring users to log in with a Microsoft account, resembling the approach taken by companies like Google and Apple. This strategy indicates that the company views AI features as a compelling reason for users to upgrade their devices.
Notepad, another long-standing Windows staple, is also receiving significant updates. While it has evolved over the past year, the latest version introduces smarter formatting and AI-assisted tools. Users now have access to features such as strikethrough text, nested lists, and a formatting toolbar that streamlines note-taking. Although these enhancements may seem minor, they greatly improve usability for students, writers, and professionals who frequently engage in text editing.
In addition to Microsoft’s advancements, other tech giants are racing to integrate AI into common software. For example, Adobe is enhancing Acrobat with new AI features that go beyond document editing. The company is introducing tools that can transform written content into audio podcasts, providing creators and professionals with innovative ways to repurpose their material. These updates are expected to roll out globally and may be initially available at no cost.
In conclusion, these changes reflect a clear trend: even the simplest applications are becoming smarter through AI integration. What were once basic utilities are evolving into powerful tools designed to save time and inspire creativity, illustrating how artificial intelligence is gradually reshaping everyday computing.
