For years, removing backgrounds from images required advanced tools like Photoshop or online editors. But with the revamped Paint app in Windows 11, Microsoft has finally added a built-in Background Removal feature that lets you cleanly isolate the subject of any image with just one click.
If you’re here reading this guide, you probably want a quick and easy way to remove the background from a picture without installing heavy software. Luckily, Windows 11’s modern Paint app makes this task incredibly simple—even for beginners.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to remove the background from any image using Paint, how to refine the cutout, how to save it as a transparent PNG, and alternative ways to fine-tune your results.
1. Open the Image in Paint on Windows 11
- Right-click your image file.
- Choose Open with → Paint.
- The image loads into the Paint editor.
Alternatively:
- Press Windows + S, type Paint, open the app.
- Click File → Open, and choose your image.
You’re now ready to remove the background!
2. Use the One-Click Background Removal Tool
Microsoft added a dedicated Remove Background button in Paint’s toolbar.
- Look at the top toolbar in Paint.
- Click:
Remove background - Paint will instantly analyze the image and remove the background automatically.
You should now see your subject isolated with a transparent background (represented by a checkerboard pattern).
3. Refine the Cutout Using the Selection Tool
The automatic background removal works well most of the time, but you may want to refine the edges.
Use the “Automatic Selection” Tool
- Click Select on the toolbar.
- Choose:
Automatic selection - Adjust the bounding box around your subject.
- Click Next to re-process background removal.
Paint will generate a more precise cutout based on the region you selected.
Use “Transparent Selection” for touch-up edits
- Click Select → Transparent selection.
- Manually remove unwanted artifacts:
- Use the Eraser tool
- Use Free-form select to cut out problem areas
- Use Crop to remove excess borders
This allows you to perfect the cutout before saving.
4. Save the Image with a Transparent Background
To preserve the transparency, you must save the image as a PNG file.
- Click File in Paint.
- Select:
Save as → PNG picture - Choose a name and location for the file.
- Click Save.
Your image will now have a clean transparent background and can be used in:
- Presentations
- YouTube thumbnails
- Social media graphics
- Websites
- Design projects
5. Alternative Method: Remove Background Manually (If Needed)
If AI detection doesn’t work well for your image, you can still use Paint’s manual tools.
Free-form selection
- Click Select → Free-form selection.
- Trace around the object manually.
- Copy and paste the selection into a new canvas.
Eraser tool
- Set brush size.
- Manually erase remaining background elements.
This method takes longer but gives you pixel-level precision.
6. Tips for Better Background Removal
- Choose high-resolution images for cleaner edges.
- Ensure your subject contrasts well with the background.
- For complex edges like hair or fur, use Automatic selection before fine-tuning manually.
- Save in PNG for transparent backgrounds—JPG does not support transparency.
7. What If You Don’t Have the Background Removal Button?
The feature is available only in the new Paint version delivered via Microsoft Store updates.
To update:
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Go to Library.
- Click Get updates.
- Update Paint if available.
If you still don’t see the button, your Windows build may require an update.
Wrapping Up
And that wraps up our complete guide on how to remove the background from an image in Windows 11 using Paint. With the updated Paint app, background removal is now incredibly simple—even for users with no editing experience. Whether you’re creating thumbnails, professional graphics, or personal projects, this feature will save you tons of time.
