Hands-On Windows 129: Windows 11 AI Image Features

Host: Paul Thurott
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Platform: TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

Introduction

In the latest episode of Hands-On Windows, host Paul Thurott delves into the burgeoning landscape of AI-powered image editing features within Windows 11. Focusing primarily on the Photos and Paint applications, Paul explores how Microsoft's AI integrations are transforming user experiences by enhancing functionality and accessibility.

AI Integration in Windows 11

Paul Thurott opens the discussion by highlighting Microsoft's significant push into AI over the past few years, resulting in a plethora of updates across Windows 11. He distinguishes between standard AI features available to all Windows 11 users and the enhanced functionalities exclusive to "Copilot Plus" PCs, which leverage advanced chipsets like Snapdragon X ARM, AMD Zen 5, and Intel Lunar Lake. These premium features run locally on the device's MPU (Multi-Processor Unit), reducing dependency on cloud-based processing.

[00:17] Paul Thurott: "If you have a Copilot Plus PC running a Snapdragon X ARM chipset or a AMD Zen 5 chipset, or an Intel Lunar Lake or newer chipset, you will also get additional features and functionality in Windows 11 in specific apps that will run against the MPU in that chipset. Right. It will run locally. It doesn't have to go to the cloud."

AI Features in the Photos App

Paul transitions to an in-depth analysis of the Photos app, one of the primary tools enhanced by AI in Windows 11.

1. Editing Enhancements:

   • Background Blur and Removal: Existing features that allow users to effortlessly blur or remove backgrounds from images.
   • Selective Edit & Auto Enhance: Tools that enable precise adjustments and automatic enhancements to improve image quality.

2. Microsoft Designer Integration:

   • A notable addition is the "Edit with Designer" toolbar, which integrates the Microsoft Designer web app directly into Photos. This allows users to access advanced AI editing features without switching applications.

   [04:10] Paul Thurott: "Instead of just exporting it to another app, which in this case is on the web, they're using this integration model just to bring it right into the app."

3. Visual Search with Bing:

   • An innovative feature that enables users to perform visual searches directly within Photos. By selecting an image, users can find similar images across the web.

   [05:30] Paul Thurott: "This is where this visual search thing comes into play. It's, it's, to me, it's kind of fascinating."

4. Generative Features:

   • Generative Erase: Similar to tools like Magic Eraser on other platforms, this feature allows users to remove unwanted elements from images with AI precision.
   • Super Resolution: Enables users to upscale images, improving resolution without significant quality loss.

   [07:15] Paul Thurott: "These look to me identical. So there is no improvement in quality. Right. It's not correcting the little dots on the red jacket there. It's not fixing things, but it is creating a bigger version of this."

AI Features in the Paint App

Shifting focus to the Paint application, Paul highlights several AI-driven tools that enhance its traditional image editing capabilities.

1. Co Creator:

   • An original feature for Copilot Plus PCs, Co Creator introduces a sidebar pane where users can draw or input text prompts to modify images dynamically.

   [09:20] Paul Thurott: "I'm going to make that a little smaller. Maybe I just want to get rid of this item here."

2. Image Creator:

   • Available to all Paint users, Image Creator leverages cloud-based AI to generate images based on text prompts. Users with Microsoft accounts or Microsoft 365 subscriptions receive a generous quota of AI credits monthly.

   [09:50] Paul Thurott: "This is actually something available for free in Windows now. Right. So it's just that the feature set you're going to see will vary depending on what kind of computer you have."

3. Remove Background:

   • A straightforward tool that simplifies background removal, similar to the Photos app but tailored for the Paint environment.

4. Upcoming Features - Generative Fill:

   • Paul anticipates the introduction of Generative Fill, which will allow users to expand images intelligently by filling in additional details based on existing content.

   [10:30] Paul Thurott: "Generative Fill is kind of an interesting idea. But Generative Erase is where you draw over parts of the image that you want to get rid of and you use this slider to determine the size."

Deployment and Availability

Paul provides insights into Microsoft's rollout strategy for these AI features:

• Insider Program: Initial release of these features will be through the Windows Insider Program in early 2025.
• Broad Availability: Expected to reach the general user base by mid-2025, ensuring widespread access to these advanced AI tools.

[11:30] Paul Thurott: "They're starting to roll them out in the Insider program in early 2025, and I would imagine by mid-2025 they'll just be broadly available for everyone."

Conclusion

Paul wraps up the episode by expressing enthusiasm for the continuous improvement and expansion of AI capabilities within Windows 11. He encourages listeners to stay tuned for future updates, emphasizing the transformative potential of these tools for both casual users and professionals.

[16:00] Paul Thurott: "I hope you found this interesting. We will have a new episode of Hands on Windows every Thursday."

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Functionality: AI features in Photos and Paint significantly elevate image editing capabilities.
• Local vs. Cloud Processing: Premium Copilot Plus PCs benefit from local AI processing, offering faster and more secure operations.
• Integration and Accessibility: Seamless integration of tools like Microsoft Designer within native apps enhances user workflows.
• Continuous Updates: Microsoft’s commitment to regularly updating and expanding AI features ensures that users have access to cutting-edge tools.

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the AI-driven enhancements in Windows 11's Photos and Paint applications, showcasing Microsoft's dedication to integrating advanced technologies to enrich user experiences.