The Pixel’s AI Magic Eraser just got copied on Windows 11 — how and when you can use it
Microsoft has announced that its Photos app for Windows 11 and Windows 10 will soon get a Generative erase feature. Leveraging the power of AI, Generative erase will let users selectively erase elements in their image.
Generative erase isn't entirely new, and instead builds on the Spot fix feature that already existed in the Photos app, this time utilizing AI for a smoother, more realistic end result. According to Microsoft, this should make Generative erase much better for touching up large sections of an image.
The feature joins a range of image editing tools that have already been added to the Photos app, including background removal and background blur.
If all this sounds a little familiar, well, that's because it is: Generative erase will essentially do the same job as Google's Magic Eraser that launched way back in 2022 with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, and is available on iPhones via the Google Photos app.
How to get Generative eraser in Microsoft Photos
Generative eraser started rolling out yesterday (February 22nd), so you should start to see the feature appear in the Photos app soon. It'll work on Windows 11 and Windows 10, as well as Arm64 devices. You'll need to be running Microsoft Photos version 2024.11020.21001.0 or later.
We checked our Windows 11 machine today and couldn't see the feature or the update. If the same is true for you, head to the Photos app page in the Microsoft Store to check if an app update is available. It'll likely just be a case of waiting until the update rolls out to you.
How to use Generative erase in Microsoft photos
Once you do get access to Generative erase, using it is pretty straight forward. Here's how it works.
1. Open an image in Photos and hit the Edit button
(Image: © Microsoft / Tom's Guide)
First up, open an image in the Photos app and hit the Edit button at the top.
2. Click Erase and toggle auto apply (optional)
(Image: © Microsoft / Tom's Guide)
Now select Erase at the top. On the right hand side, toggle on Auto apply if you want the app to erase elements for you. If you're going to do it manually, adjust the brush size using the slider to the size you want.
3. Paint whatever you want to erase
(Image: © Microsoft / Tom's Guide)
Now simply click and hold to paint over any elements you want to erase and watch as they disappear. Click save once you're happy.
