Step-by-Step Guide: Generate AI Images with Paint on Windows 11

Microsoft Paint, once known simply for pixel-level doodling, now boasts a powerful built-in AI image generator called Cocreator.

With this feature, you can create digital artwork, concept visuals, or simply unleash your creativity using just text prompts and a choice of styles, no design expertise required.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started with Cocreator in Windows 11.

What Is the Cocreator Tool in Paint?

Cocreator is an AI-driven feature integrated into Microsoft Paint on Windows 11. It lets you generate original images by typing a description and selecting an art style, Paint then creates three unique versions for you to choose from.

In addition to image generation, Cocreator assists with removing backgrounds and objects from existing photos, bringing sophisticated AI tools to an app many already have on their PCs.

Who Can Use It?

• Available to users with the Windows 11 Moment 4 update (September 2023 or later).
• Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription (Family or Personal) or sufficient Cocreator credits.
• A stable internet connection is necessary, as image generation is cloud-based.

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

• Stable internet is required, as image generation is cloud-based.
• Full functionality requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription or available credits.
• Occasional quirky or imperfect results are possible, as with all AI art generators.
• Focused solely on single-image generation, no animation or advanced photo editing.

Takeaway

Microsoft Paint’s Cocreator feature transforms how you can create digital images, making unique, stylized visuals accessible to everyone, right within Windows 11. 

It’s a game-changer for students, professionals, and hobbyists alike who want to turn creative ideas into images instantly without specialized training or expensive software.