Miscellaneous Windows Insider Program Updates

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Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad updates with new features begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Updates to Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11 are beginning to roll out.

Paint (version 11.2504.451.0)
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 on any one of them to instantly apply it to your canvas, copy the sticker 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.

We're also adding object select, a smart selection tool that uses AI to help you isolate and edit individual elements in your image. To get started, click on the Object select tool in the toolbar and simply pinpoint specific elements on the canvas to select and make edits instantly.

Sticker generator and object select will be available only on Copilot+ PCs. To use sticker generator, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account.

Lastly, we are introducing a new welcome experience in Paint designed to help users discover and learn about the app's latest and most useful features. This dialog provides a quick overview of what's possible in Paint and serves as a helpful starting point for both new and returning users. You can close it anytime and revisit it later by clicking the megaphone icon in the top-right corner of the toolbar.

We hope you enjoy these updates and look forward to seeing what you create in Paint!

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint.

Snipping Tool (version 11.2504.38.0)
In this update, we're introducing two new features to Snipping Tool—perfect screenshot and color picker.

Perfect screenshot is a new AI-powered feature in Snipping Tool that allows you to precisely capture content on your screen without the need to crop or resize it post-capture on your Copilot+ PC. To get started, invoke the Snipping Tool capture toolbar from within the app or by using the Print Screen keyboard shortcut. Select the Perfect screenshot button from the toolbar when in rectangle mode and start selecting a region of your screen. Once activated, perfect screenshot will intelligently resize based on the content in your selection. You can also quickly enable perfect screenshot by holding the Ctrl keyboard shortcut after invoking Snipping Tool while selecting a region of your screen. Move or edit the area before confirming your capture, ensuring you get the perfect screenshot every time! Perfect screenshot in Snipping Tool will be available only on Copilot+ PCs.

We have also added the ability to capture more information on your screen through the introduction of color picker. To get started, invoke the Snipping Tool capture toolbar from within the app or by using the Print Screen keyboard shortcut. Select Color picker from the toolbar and then inspect or select a color code on your screen, choosing from HEX, RGB or HSL values. Need to be more precise? You can zoom by scrolling in on your pointer or using by using the Ctrl +/- keyboard shortcuts. Color picker is great for designers, developers, and anyone who might need to quickly match a color you see on your screen as part of a project.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under under Apps > Snipping Tool.

Notepad (version 11.2504.46.0)
ALT-Text: Notepad using the AI write feature to highlight text.

With this update, we are introducing the ability to write new content in Notepad using generative AI. The new write feature helps you quickly draft text based on your prompt, making it easy to start from a blank page or build upon existing content with AI-powered assistance.

To get started, place your cursor where you want to insert new text or select content you'd like to use as a reference. Then right-click and choose Write, select Write from the Copilot menu, or use the Ctrl + Q keyboard shortcut. Enter your instruction into the dialog and click Send. The AI-generated output will appear directly on the canvas.

You can select Keep text to add it to your document or Discard it if it doesn't fit your needs. You can also continue refining the output by entering follow-up prompts to evolve your draft further.

If you prefer, you can disable AI features in app settings.

To use write, you need to sign in with your Microsoft account. Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Enterprise, and Copilot Pro subscribers will be able to use AI credits to use Write in Notepad. Learn more about AI credits.

You can learn more about write in Notepad here.

FEEDBACK: Please share your feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Notepad.

[Corrine]

Text Formatting in Notepad begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

The update to Notepad is to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11.

Notepad (version 11.2504.50.0)

With this update, we are introducing lightweight formatting in Notepad, providing additional flexibility in how you structure content across your files. The experience supports Markdown style input and files for users who prefer to work directly with the lightweight markup language. To get started, use the new formatting toolbar to apply formatting as you type or to selected text, including bold and italic styling, hyperlinks, and support for simple lists and headings.

If at any point you want to return to plain text, you can clear all formatting from the formatting toolbar or from the edit menu. You can switch between formatted Markdown and Markdown syntax views in the view menu or by selecting the toggle button in the status bar at the bottom of the window. If you prefer, you can disable support for formatting entirely in app settings.

FEEDBACK: Please share your feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Notepad.

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The updates and features for Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad described above and on the Windows Blog are now rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels.

[Corrine]

GIF export in Snipping Tool begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Beginning to roll out an update to Snipping Tool to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11.

Snipping Tool (version 11.2505.21.0)

GIF export
In this update, we are adding GIF export for screen recordings – designed to boost your productivity and turn quick captures into shareable moments.

To get started, open Snipping Tool's screen recorder via Win + Shift + R or launch the app and toggle to screen recording mode. Record a screen recording video. Once the recording preview opens in the Snipping Tool app, click on the "Export GIF" button in the top toolbar.

You will be prompted to select a preferred GIF quality between low and high quality. Then, you can save your GIF to your files or skip this step and copy it directly to your clipboard!

Please note: GIF export is limited to videos that are 30 seconds or less. If your video is longer than 30 seconds, Snipping Tool will offer to export the first 30 seconds of your video instead.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.

[Corrine]

GIF export in Snipping Tool begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

As described in the above post, Snipping Tool (version 11.2505.21.0) that previously rolled out to the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11 is now beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels.

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Microsoft Store Update (from here)

Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels running version 22406.xxxx.x of the Microsoft Store and higher will see the following improvement rolling out:

Install directly from top featured sections: We are rolling out the ability to directly install apps and games from the top featured sections of the Store's homepages, helping you download your favorite products in fewer steps. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Microsoft Store.

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Copilot on Windows: Vision Desktop Share begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Beginning to roll out an update for the Microsoft Copilot app on Windows via the Microsoft Store which introduces the following changes and improvements to Copilot Vision on Windows:

Desktop Share: Now you can choose to share your whole desktop with Copilot. When you share your desktop (or any specific browser or app window), Copilot can see what you see and talk to you about it in real time. It can help analyze content, provide insights, and answer your questions, coaching you through it aloud. Get tips on making improvements to your creative project, help with improving your resume, or guidance while navigating a new game. To get started click the glasses icon in your composer, select the desktop that you'd like to share, and ask Copilot to help with whatever you're working on. To stop sharing, press 'Stop' or 'X' in the composer.

Access Vision from your Voice conversation: Now you can turn on Vision from a Voice conversation. When you're talking with Copilot and want to provide additional context on whatever you're working on, simply click on the glasses icon and share your screen.

This Copilot app update (version 1.25071.125 and higher) is beginning to roll out across all Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store. These updates will first roll out to Insiders in markets where Windows Vision is enabled. The above-mentioned features are gradually rolling out so not all Insiders will get the update right away. We are excited to be previewing improvements with our Insiders to ensure all our customers have a great Copilot experience on Windows.

FEEDBACK: Please provide feedback directly within the Copilot app by clicking on your profile icon and choosing "Give feedback".

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Previewing a refreshed Link to Windows experience for Android phones

Rolling out an update for the Link to Windows app that includes a refreshed experience for Windows Insiders. This update brings a modernized design, smarter onboarding, and new ways to access content and remotely control your PC including the ability to lock your PC — all from your Android phone. Please note that this experience is rolling out, so not all Insiders will see it right away.

Whether you're already using Link to Windows and Phone Link or just getting started, this update is designed to make your cross-device experience more seamless, intuitive, and powerful.

A new home for connected experiences

We've reimagined the Link to Windows app as a connected PC experience hub — a central place where you can access, share, and control content between your Android phone and Windows PC.

• Recent activity: Quickly access your most recently received files and clipboard items of your PC.
  
• PC at a glance: Check your PC's battery, and Wi-Fi status from your phone.
  
• Remote actions from Link to Windows:
  
  • Send files to your PC from within Link to Windows.
  • Lock your PC remotely when PC is connected.
  • Mirror your phone's screen to your PC.
  
  

More intuitive onboarding for getting started

We're updating the onboarding experience that lets you set up Link to Windows directly from your Android device — no PC required to get started. This helps you discover the value of connected experiences right away, with contextual permission prompts and a simplified setup with clear instructions on what to do next when you get to your PC. These features are designed to give you more control and flexibility, especially when you're away from your desk.


How to try out the refreshed Link to Windows experience on your Android phone

Here is how Windows Insiders can try out the new refreshed Link to Windows experience for their Android phone today:

• Make sure you're running the latest Windows Insider Preview build on your PC from any Insider Channel and Phone Link version is 1.25062.83.0 or higher.
  
• Opt-in to the Link to Windows Beta from the Play Store.
• Update the Link to Windows app from the Play Store and ensure the version is 1.25071.155 or higher.
  
• Pair your Android phone to your PC from Link to Windows on your phone and Phone Link on your PC.
• Finally, go to Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices > Manage devices and ensure you are logged in with the same Microsoft account as Link to Windows and see your Android phone listed and enabled.

Give feedback

Be sure to give us feedback and let us know what you think as you try out the refreshed Link to Windows experience:

• Directly from Link to Windows on your Android phone via Phone > Give Feedback > Link to Windows.
  
• Or by using Feedback Hub and submitting feedback under Devices and Drivers > Linked devices.
  

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Copilot on Windows: Semantic Search and new home begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Rolling out a new update for the Microsoft Copilot app on Windows that introduces the following changes and improvements:

Semantic file search, available on Copilot+ PCs, is a smarter and faster way to find your files using natural language. With today's update, you can now leverage the power of improved search capabilities right from the Copilot on Windows app. This provides yet another way to find your documents and photos on your PC without having to remember the exact file names or exact words in file content. For example, you can find images by typing "find images of bridges at sunset on my PC", find your resume documents with similar terms like "find my cv" or describing content of the file that you're looking for like "find the file with the chicken tostada recipe". You can adjust your permissions for what Copilot can access, retrieve, or read in Copilot Settings under Permission settings.

The new Copilot home experience brings your recent apps, files and conversations into Copilot and at your fingertips.

Now it's easier to get guided help: when you click on a recent application in the "get guided help with your apps" section, a Vision session will begin to help you get started. Or you can have Copilot take action on a recent document or photo – click the file of choice in the left pane and it's uploaded to the Copilot chat window. From there you can have Copilot summarize the content, identify objects in an image, or just chat about it.

How does Copilot know what files I have?

Copilot shows you files you've recently opened on your device by referencing the standard Windows "Recent" folder.  Like any application on Windows, Copilot can show those recent files used by apps like Word or Photos to help you quickly find your work.  These are local files stored on your computer, and Copilot doesn't scan your entire system or upload anything automatically.

Only files that are compatible with Copilot* and have been recently accessed will appear in the list. If you choose to attach a file and send it to Copilot, that action gives Copilot permission to process it — nothing is shared unless you explicitly do so.

     *File types currently supported for file upload include .png, .jpeg, .svg, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx, .csv, .json, and .txt.

Use Vision to get real-time guidance on what's on your screen or attach a file to your Copilot conversation for summaries, insights, and helpful pointers. Whether you're planning, creating, or catching up, Copilot is ready to help you.

This Copilot app update (version 1.25082.132.0 and higher) is beginning to roll out across all Insider Channels via the Microsoft Store. The above-mentioned features are gradually rolling out so not all Insiders will get the update right away. We are excited to be previewing improvements with our Insiders to ensure all our customers have a great Copilot experience on Windows.

FEEDBACK: Please provide feedback directly within the Copilot app by clicking on your profile icon and choosing "Give feedback".

[Corrine]

Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad app updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Beginning to roll out updates to Snipping Tool to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11.

Paint (version 11.2508.361.0)
In this update, we're excited to introduce two powerful enhancements that bring more flexibility to your creative workflow. First, we're introducing project files, you can now save your creation as an editable Paint project file and seamlessly pick up where you left off. Once you're ready to save your artwork, go to the File menu and select Save as project. The File Explorer will open, allowing you to choose a location and save your work as a .paint file. When you're ready to return, simply open the file to launch it in Paint, right where you left off.

We're also adding an opacity slider, giving you control over the transparency of your strokes with the Pencil and Brush tools. To get started, select either tool and use the slider on the left side of the canvas to adjust the opacity to your desired level. Try experimenting with both the size and opacity sliders to create smooth blends and layered effects that bring your artwork to life.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Paint.

Snipping Tool (version 11.2508.24.0)

In this update, we're introducing Quick markup – a faster way to annotate your screenshots and streamline your workflow!

To get started, open Snipping Tool via Win + Shift + S or launch the app directly. Before capturing your selection area, you'll now see a Quick markup button in the top toolbar. Click on this button to toggle the feature on, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + E. Once the button is on, go ahead and select your selection region. You'll notice after this, you'll be able to markup and make edits to your image right in Snipping Tool's selection area before finalizing your screenshot!

In the Quick markup toolbar, you'll find the classic pen, highlighter, and eraser tools, along with shapes and emojis to make quick edits to your image. Re-cropping the selection area can be done with the grabbers around the perimeter.

You'll also be able to streamline your workflows by clicking on the Share, Visual Search with Bing, or Ask Copilot buttons. Please note that for these options, the image will not be copied to your clipboard or autosaved.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Snipping Tool.

Notepad (version 11.2508.28.0)

Notepad now supports AI features like Summarize, Write, and Rewrite on Copilot+ PCs, with no subscription required. If you have a subscription, you can seamlessly switch between local and cloud models based on your needs. If you're not signed in or don't have a subscription, you can use the local model to accomplish your tasks. For now, these features support English only, making premium AI more accessible and flexible for everyone.

FEEDBACK: Please share your feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Notepad.