Microsoft Paywalls AI Features in Notepad and Paint: Everything You Need to Know

Microsoft has recently introduced AI-powered enhancements to its classic applications, Notepad and Paint. While these new features significantly improve text editing and image creation capabilities, they come with a catch—access to them requires a Microsoft 365 subscription. This move marks a shift in Microsoft's approach to offering its software tools, raising questions about the future of AI integration in everyday applications.

AI Enhancements in Notepad

Notepad has long been a simple text editor, but Microsoft has now infused it with AI-powered text assistance, making it more functional for users who need quick text modifications. The AI-powered "Rewrite" feature in Notepad enables users to:

• Rephrase sentences – Users can select a sentence or paragraph and let the AI suggest alternative phrasing.
• Adjust tone – The AI can rewrite text in a more formal, casual, or creative tone.
• Modify length – Users can shorten or expand their text based on their preferences.

To use this feature, users simply highlight text, right-click, and select the "Rewrite" option. The AI then presents multiple alternative versions for selection.

Why It Matters

This update transforms Notepad from a basic note-taking tool into an AI-assisted writing application, making it useful for quick content polishing. However, since the AI requires an internet connection to function, users must sign in with their Microsoft account.

AI Features in Paint

Microsoft Paint, a long-time staple for basic image editing, is also receiving AI-powered updates. These include:

• AI Image Creator – Uses OpenAI’s DALL-E model to generate images based on text prompts.
• Generative Erase – Allows users to remove unwanted elements from an image, with AI intelligently filling in the background.
• Background Removal – Automatically detects and removes backgrounds, simplifying image editing.

Why It Matters

With these features, Paint becomes a more powerful tool for casual and even semi-professional graphic design. While not as robust as Adobe Photoshop, these enhancements provide users with AI-assisted editing that makes tasks quicker and more accessible.

Microsoft 365 Subscription Requirement

Microsoft has placed these AI capabilities behind a Microsoft 365 subscription paywall. The available plans include:

• Microsoft 365 Personal – $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
• Microsoft 365 Family – $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year.

How the Subscription Works

Users receive monthly AI credits, which can be used across various Microsoft applications, including Notepad, Paint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Designer. Once a user runs out of AI credits, they must either wait until the next month’s credits are issued or upgrade to a higher-tier plan.

User Reactions and Industry Impact

Positive Reactions

Some users see this as a step forward, making AI-powered tools more accessible within familiar applications. The integration of AI into Notepad and Paint allows for quick, smart edits without needing third-party software.

Criticism and Concerns

However, others have expressed frustration over AI-powered features being locked behind a paywall in what were traditionally free applications. This move follows Microsoft’s broader trend of transitioning towards subscription-based software services.

Some users worry that future AI enhancements in Windows applications may also become subscription-based, potentially limiting accessibility to advanced tools unless users are willing to pay.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s decision to integrate AI into Notepad and Paint represents a shift in how basic applications are evolving with artificial intelligence. While the AI-powered features enhance text editing and image creation, the fact that they require a Microsoft 365 subscription has sparked debate about accessibility and pricing.

For now, the core functionalities of Notepad and Paint remain free, but these AI additions signal a growing trend where premium AI-powered capabilities might increasingly come at a cost.

Would you pay for AI features in Notepad and Paint? Let us know your thoughts!

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