Microsoft is releasing updates to Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad for users in the Canary and Dev Insider Channels, adding project-saving to Paint, Quick Markup to Snipping Tool, and AI-powered features to Notepad.

This update brings three exciting enhancements to elevate your creative experience. First, we’re introducing sticker generator, a new AI-powered feature that lets you create custom stickers by simply typing a prompt. To get started, click on the Sticker generator button in the Copilot menu. From there, you can type in a description of the sticker you want to create, like “a cat wearing sunglasses”, and hit the Generate button. Paint will then generate a set of unique stickers based on your prompt. Once the stickers are generated, you can click any one to instantly apply it to your canvas, copy it for use in other applications, or save it for later. To access your recently generated stickers, click on the new Stickers option in the Paint toolbar.

A Strong Step Forward for Windows Core Apps

• Project-saving functionality in Paint
• Quick Markup tools in Snipping Tool
• AI-powered enhancements in Notepad

These updates reflect Microsoft’s vision of making Windows 11 more intuitive, efficient, and creator-friendly, especially for users who rely on these apps for daily tasks.

A Long-Awaited Upgrade

Paint, one of the most iconic Windows apps, has received one of its most significant upgrades in years. The new project-saving capability brings Paint closer to modern graphic tools while maintaining its familiar simplicity.

Save and Continue Editing with Project Files

• Pause work and return anytime.
• Edit specific elements without starting over.
• Manage multi-layer drawings more effectively.
• For content creators, designers, students, and hobbyists, this is a huge productivity boost.

Enhanced Layer Support and Editing Tools

This update enhances the layers feature, making it easier to organize visual elements. Paint now feels closer to lightweight design tools, while remaining simple for beginners.

A Better Experience for Windows 11

The user interface remains clean and aligned with Windows 11’s Fluent Design, ensuring a smooth workflow across devices.

Snipping Tool Introduces Quick Markup for Faster Editing

Turning to another essential tool, the Snipping Tool has become indispensable for screenshots, annotations, and screen recordings. With this update, Microsoft adds new Quick Markup tools, making the process of capturing and editing content even more seamless.

Built-In Markup for Instant Editing

• Marking instructions
• Highlighting bugs for developers
• Quick editing for presentations
• Adding notes for tutorials or reports

Smoother Workflow for Productivity

These tools speed up the transition from capturing to sharing. Quick Markup streamlines documentation, feedback, and the creation of visual notes.

Notepad Gets Smarter with New AI-Powered Features

Similarly, Notepad—the beloved minimalist text editor—is receiving a powerful upgrade. New AI-driven enhancements transform how users write, edit, and organize text, continuing the trend of smarter tools across Windows core apps.

AI-Powered Suggestions and Improvements

• Writing assistance for clarity and tone
• Rephrasing options
• Context-based suggestions
• Auto-organization for notes

These additions make Notepad more useful for writers, students, developers, and everyday users.

Modern Features, Classic Simplicity

AI adds new functions, but Notepad keeps its simple interface. Enjoy classic simplicity with new tools that boost productivity.

A Future-Ready Writing Tool

AI transforms Notepad into a smarter assistant while keeping it fast and distraction-free.

Why These Windows 11 Updates Matter

Collectively, these updates aren’t just software enhancements—they represent Microsoft’s broader strategy to modernize the entire Windows experience.

Greater Productivity for Everyday Users

Whether you’re editing images, annotating screenshots, or jotting down fast notes, these improvements reduce friction and make daily tasks faster and more fluid.

Enhanced Creativity for Designers and Content Creators

Paint’s project-saving functionality and Snipping Tool’s markup features give creators more control and flexibility, providing tools that previously required third-party apps.

Aligning Classic Apps with Modern Expectations

With AI becoming standard across Microsoft’s ecosystem, updating Notepad is a logical next step in refreshing the Windows experience without abandoning its roots.

Who Can Access the Updates

• Early testers can explore the features today.
• General users will receive the updates in future stable builds.
• Feedback from Insiders will help refine these tools before full release.

If you’re enrolled in the Insider Program, you can update your system via Windows Update to test the latest versions.

What to Expect Next from Microsoft

• Additional AI-powered tools
• More integration across Windows apps
• Enhanced productivity features
• Deeper cloud and Microsoft 365 connectivity

As AI becomes central to Windows 11 and the upcoming generations of Windows, these updates are only the beginning of a broader transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new features were added to Paint in the latest Windows 11 update

Microsoft added project-saving support to Paint, so users can now save their work as editable project files. This means you can open your saved projects later and continue editing. The update also improves the layers feature, making it easier to manage and organize complex designs and allowing you to return to unfinished work without losing progress.

What is the new Quick Markup feature in Snipping Tool?

The Quick Markup feature lets users instantly annotate screenshots right after capturing them. You can draw, highlight, or add shapes without opening a separate editor, making screenshot editing faster and more efficient.

Does Paint now support image layers?

Yes. The updated Paint in Windows 11 now fully supports image layers. This means you can add, remove, or rearrange different visual elements on separate layers. It helps you create more complex images or designs and makes editing specific parts of your image easier.

What improvements were made to Notepad in this update

Notepad now includes built-in autosave, session restore, character count, and various performance improvements. This ensures your notes remain safe even if the app closes unexpectedly.

How does Session Restore work in Notepad?

Session Restore in Notepad automatically restores the documents you had open, including unsaved files, when you reopen the app. This ensures you won’t lose your work even if Notepad closes by accident.

Conclusion

The latest Windows 11 updates for Paint, Notepad, and Snipping Tool mark a major step forward in Microsoft’s effort to modernize its essential built-in apps. With AI-powered enhancements, improved productivity features, and advanced editing capabilities, these tools now offer a richer and more intuitive experience for everyday users, students, professionals, and creators alike. Whether it’s creating layered artwork in Paint, enjoying seamless autosave and session restore in Notepad, or leveraging OCR and smart redaction in the Snipping Tool, Windows 11 continues to evolve into a more powerful and user-friendly platform. As these updates roll out to broader audiences, users can expect a smoother, smarter, and more efficient workflow across their devices.