I was surprised to discover that Microsoft Paint, yes, the same old Paint we’ve all used for years has gotten a serious upgrade in Windows 11.
It’s not just for quick sketches or pixel edits anymore. Now it comes with a built-in AI image generator called Cocreator, which lets you type in a description, pick an art style, and watch as the app creates a unique image from scratch. No design background needed.
In this quick guide, I’ll walk you through how to use this new feature to create digital art, concept visuals, or even just experiment with creative ideas right from your desktop.
What Is the Cocreator Tool in Paint?
Cocreator is an exciting AI-powered feature built directly into Microsoft Paint on Windows 11, designed to turn your text prompts into original images, remove backgrounds using AI as well as objects from existing images.
Just type what you want to see, select a visual style, and Cocreator generates three unique versions for you to choose from.
It’s Microsoft’s user-friendly take on AI image generation that’s conveniently available in a program you likely already use.
The tool is free to use, but unfortunately, in order to use Cocreator to its complete potential, you must be subscribed to Microsoft 365, either the family or personal edition or have a sufficient amount of credits in your account.
Who Can Use It?
The AI image generation feature in Paint is available for users running the Windows 11 Moment 4 update (released in September 2023 or later). If your PC is eligible, up to date and you’re subscribed to Microsoft 365, you can access this tool right away.
How to Use Paint to Generate AI Images in Windows 11
Follow these steps in order to ensure everything is up and running properly:
Update Windows 11
Before starting, make sure your system is running the latest version of Windows 11, specifically anything post the Moment 4 update, which introduced the Cocreator tool in Paint.
To check, click Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC if needed. Skipping this step may leave you without access to Cocreator entirely, so it’s a crucial first move.
Update the Microsoft Paint App
With Windows updated, the next step is making sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Paint.
Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu, click the Library icon at the bottom-left, then hit Get updates.
Let all available updates install. If you haven’t used Paint in a while, chances are it’s still running an older version, updating it is what enables the Cocreator tool to show up and work properly.
Open Paint
Once Microsoft Paint is updated, open it by pressing the Windows key, typing “Paint,” and hitting Enter.
You’ll see the classic Paint interface with one important addition, the Cocreator button in the top ribbon toolbar.
Click it to open the Cocreator dropdown and then click on the option that says “Image Generation”.
Describe Your Image
Now, type a specific and vivid description in the “Describe what you’d like to create” box. This is how you guide Paint’s Cocreator to generate the image you’re imagining.
For example, try prompts like: “A futuristic robot chef in a bright kitchen,” “A serene forest path covered in autumn leaves,” or “A golden retriever wearing sunglasses on a beach.”
The key is to stick to one clear idea, be visually descriptive, and don’t clutter your prompt with too many unrelated elements. The more focused your vision, the better Cocreator can bring it to life.
Choose an Art Style
Next, give your image a visual personality by selecting an art style from the “Choose a style” dropdown.
Options include Charcoal, Ink Sketch, Watercolor, Oil Painting, Digital Art, Anime, and Pixel Art.
For example, go with Watercolor for a soft, dreamy look, or pick Photorealistic if you want your image to look as real as a photo.
This step helps Cocreator understand how to visually interpret your prompt, so don’t skip it as it’s what gives your creation its unique artistic flair.
Click Create
After entering your prompt and choosing an art style, hit the Create button. Paint will take a few moments to generate three different image variations based on your input.
Once they appear, click on any image to open it on the main canvas. Want a closer look? Head to the View menu and use the Zoom options to examine the finer details.
How to Make Changes to the AI Image?
If the first results don’t hit the mark, no worries, just tweak your text prompt to be clearer or add more detail, switch up the art style for a different vibe, and hit Create again.
You can try as many times as you like until it feels right. Once you pick an image, use Paint’s classic tools to personalize it: add hand-drawn touches with brushes, erase or refine parts, adjust colors, or insert text for captions or notes.
When you’re happy with your masterpiece, save it by going to File > Save As, then choose your format; PNG for crisp quality or JPG for a smaller file size and name your file.
Benefits of Using Paint’s AI Generator
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While Paint’s AI generator is impressive, it does have its quirks. You’ll need a stable internet connection since the AI runs on Microsoft’s servers.
Being a fairly new feature, it can occasionally produce results that miss the mark or feel a bit off.
Also, it’s important to remember that this tool focuses solely on image generation, don’t expect advanced editing like animation or complex manipulations. It’s simple, handy, but still early days for what it can do.
Takeaway
Microsoft Paint has evolved far beyond its humble beginnings. With the new Cocreator feature, anyone can now produce unique, eye-catching AI-generated images in minutes, all without leaving a default Windows app.
Whether you’re an artist, student, content creator, or just a curious user, this is a great way to explore image generation without needing expensive software or steep learning curves.
So, update your system, fire up Paint, and start bringing your ideas to life, one prompt at a time.
