Microsoft Paint has always been one of the simplest and most nostalgic apps in Windows. For decades, it was known as a basic drawing tool — perfect for doodling, cropping, and quick edits. But with Windows 11, Microsoft has completely transformed Paint into something far more powerful: an AI-powered image generator. Thanks to the new Paint Image Creator, you can now create stunning, high-quality AI images directly inside MS Paint using simple text prompts.
Yes, that means you can type something like “a futuristic city floating above the ocean” and MS Paint will generate a fully detailed image for free — no subscriptions, no complicated apps, and no website hopping. If you’re reading this guide, you’re probably excited to explore this new feature and want to learn exactly how to use it on Windows 11.
In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to access the AI Image Creator in Paint, generate images, edit them, and fix any common issues that might appear. Let’s get started!
What Is MS Paint Image Creator?
MS Paint Image Creator is a built-in AI image generator powered by OpenAI’s DALL·E technology, integrated directly inside Windows Paint. It allows you to:
- Generate images from text prompts
- Choose from different artistic styles
- Insert generated images into your canvas
- Edit or combine AI images with your own drawings
- Use the generated image for free without credits
This makes Windows 11’s Paint not just a simple editor — but a surprisingly capable creative tool.
How to Use MS Paint Image Creator on Windows 11
Follow the steps below to start generating AI images directly inside Paint.
1. Make Sure You Have the Latest Version of MS Paint
The Image Creator feature is available only on updated Paint versions.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click Library in the bottom-left corner.
- Click Get updates.
- Update Paint if available.
Once updated, reopen MS Paint.
2. Open MS Paint and Access Image Creator
The Image Creator lives inside the Paint sidebar.
- Open MS Paint from the Start menu.
- Look at the right side — you should see a new sidebar.
- Click the option labeled Image Creator.
- The AI generator panel will expand on the right.
If you don’t see the panel, scroll down to the troubleshooting section later.
3. Type a Text Prompt to Generate Your Image
This is where the magic happens.
- In the Image Creator panel, click the text box.
- Type your prompt — descriptive prompts work best.
Examples:
- “A 3D cartoon cat drinking coffee in space”
- “A realistic mountain landscape at sunrise”
- “Cyberpunk neon city with flying cars”
- “Watercolor painting of a beach sunset”
- Press Create.
Paint will now generate multiple image variations based on your prompt.
4. Choose the Image You Want to Use
After a few seconds, Paint shows you a selection of AI-generated images.
- Scroll through the generated results.
- Click on the one you want.
- Select Insert to place it directly into your canvas.
Your image will appear just like any other picture — ready to resize, crop, or edit.
5. Edit the Generated Image in Paint
Once inserted, you can use Paint’s full editing toolkit:
- Crop the image
- Use the eraser or brushes
- Add text
- Combine multiple AI images
- Draw on top using layers in Paint (if enabled)
Paint essentially becomes a hybrid AI + editing workspace.
6. Generate More Variations or Try New Prompts
If the generated result isn’t what you wanted:
- Click Regenerate
- Modify your prompt
- Add more detail
- Change the style (e.g., “realistic,” “oil painting,” “cartoon,” “pixel art”)
The more accurate your prompt, the better your results.
7. Save Your AI-Created Image
When you’re done editing:
- Press Ctrl + S or click File → Save as.
- Choose a format like:
- PNG (best quality)
- JPEG
- BMP
- Pick a save location.
Your AI creation is now ready to use in presentations, social media posts, thumbnails, documents, or creative projects.
Wrapping Up
The new MS Paint Image Creator is a surprisingly powerful addition to Windows 11, allowing you to generate professional-quality images from simple text prompts — all for free and without leaving your PC. Whether you’re creating artwork, designing thumbnails, brainstorming ideas, or simply experimenting with AI-generated visuals, Paint makes the entire process incredibly accessible.
We hope this detailed guide helped you understand exactly how to use Paint’s Image Creator on Windows 11. If you found this helpful, be sure to explore more of our in-depth Windows creativity and productivity tutorials. As always, thank you for reading till the end — and we’ll see you again in the next guide!
