Generative Erase is an AI-powered feature in the Microsoft Photos app that lets you remove unwanted objects from images automatically. On Windows 11, this feature uses on-device and cloud-based AI to intelligently fill removed areas. However, many users report issues where Generative Erase is missing, greyed out, not loading, stuck processing, or not working at all.
In most cases, the problem is related to app version limitations, unsupported hardware, missing updates, disabled AI features, or region and account requirements. Since Generative Erase is a relatively new feature, it is tightly controlled and may not be available on all systems by default.
Fix Generative Erase Not Working in Microsoft Photos on Windows 11
Follow the solutions below in order. After each method, reopen the Photos app and test the feature again.
1. Make Sure You Are Using the Correct Microsoft Photos App Version
Generative Erase is only available in newer builds of the Photos app.
- Open Microsoft Photos
- Click the Settings icon
- Scroll to About this app
- Check the app version
- If the version is outdated, update it from Microsoft Store
If your app version does not support Generative Erase, the option will not appear.
2. Update Microsoft Photos App From Microsoft Store
An outdated app is the most common reason the feature is missing.
- Open Microsoft Store
- Go to Library
- Click Get updates
- Update Microsoft Photos if available
- Restart your PC after the update
3. Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version
Some AI features require recent Windows components.
- Open Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install all available updates
- Restart your system
Generative Erase may not work on older Windows 11 builds.
4. Sign In With a Microsoft Account
Generative Erase may require a signed-in account.
- Open the Photos app
- Go to Settings
- Sign in using your Microsoft account
- Close and reopen the app
Unsigned users may see limited features.
5. Check If Generative Erase Is Available for Your Region or Device
The feature is not rolled out globally to all users.
- Some regions may not have Generative Erase enabled yet
- Older or low-end devices may not be supported
- The feature may be limited to specific Photos app builds
If the option is missing entirely, it may not be supported on your system yet.
6. Make Sure You Have an Active Internet Connection
Generative Erase may rely on cloud AI processing.
- Connect to a stable internet connection
- Avoid VPNs while using the feature
- Try again after reconnecting
A weak or blocked connection can cause the erase process to fail.
7. Reset or Repair the Microsoft Photos App
Corrupted app data can break AI features.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Find Microsoft Photos
- Click Advanced options
- Select Repair first
- If needed, click Reset
- Restart your PC
Resetting may remove app preferences but keeps your photos safe.
8. Try Using Generative Erase on a Supported Image
The feature may not work on all image types.
- Use JPG or PNG images
- Avoid extremely large or corrupted files
- Try editing a different photo
If it works on other images, the issue may be file-specific.
9. Disable VPN or Security Software Temporarily
Some security tools block AI services.
- Temporarily disable VPN or third-party antivirus
- Open Microsoft Photos
- Try Generative Erase again
- Re-enable security software afterward
Final Thoughts
Generative Erase not working in Microsoft Photos on Windows 11 is usually caused by outdated app versions, unsupported devices, missing updates, or account and connectivity requirements, not by a system fault. Because the feature is still rolling out, availability may vary by region, device, and app version.
Keeping Windows 11 and the Microsoft Photos app fully updated, signing in with a Microsoft account, and ensuring a stable internet connection are the most reliable ways to make Generative Erase work properly.
