By Margaret Russell 
What’s new
Two AI features
Paint can now turn any image or sketch into a short animation and can apply text-prompt edits to images using a generative model.
Part of Windows AI Labs
Both tools ship as experimental features under Windows AI Labs. Access is by invite. You do not need to join Windows Insider.
Animate any image
One-click flow
An Animate option appears in the Copilot dropdown. Select an image, click Animate, then Generate. No prompt entry is required.
Output and speed
Generation typically takes 40–60 seconds. You can copy the result as a GIF or save it locally.
Model note
Microsoft has not identified the model. Reporting indicates it is not Sora v1 or v2 and is likely an in-house system.
Generative Edit in Paint
Text-based edits
A new Generative Edit mode applies changes to the source image from a short description, similar to mainstream AI photo tools.
From scratch or with Copilot+ PCs
You can still generate from scratch; on Copilot+ PCs, rough drawings can be upscaled to more polished results.
Microsoft’s description
How Microsoft frames it
“Animate” generates video-style motion from your input image and may produce unexpected results. “Generative edit” changes an image per your text. These features are pre-release and under evaluation.
Availability and caveats
Rollout status
Invites for Windows AI Labs are rolling out gradually inside Paint’s settings. Features may not reach general availability.
Current Copilot limits
Outside these Labs tools, Copilot in Paint can already create images, remove objects, and blur areas, but it cannot natively create animations without the new feature.