How to remove image background with Paint on Windows 11

Microsoft Paint now includes a feature to remove backgrounds from images with one click on Windows 11.

Paint remove background

On Windows 11, the Microsoft Paint app now includes a tool that makes it super simple to remove the background from images, and in this guide, you will learn how to use it.

Starting with version 11.2306.30.0, the Paint app receives a new option that detects objects on an image and removes the background with a single click, eliminating the need for complicated steps using third-party image editing applications or online services.

The only caveat is that the feature is currently available for devices enrolled in the Dev or Canary Channel of the Windows Insider Program, and it’s unclear when Microsoft will roll out the feature to everyone.

This guide will teach you the steps to remove the background from any image with a single click on Windows 11.

Remove background from image with Paint app

To remove the background from an image with Paint on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Paint on Windows 11.

  2. Click on File and select the Open option.

  3. Choose the image with the background to remove.

  4. Click the Open button.

  5. Click the “Remove background” button from the “Image” section in the ribbon.

    Paint remove background

  6. (Optional) Use the “Zoom” tool to enlarge the image and use the “Eraser” option to finish cleaning residues of pixels around the object.

  7. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, Microsoft Paint will analyze the image, detect the objects, determine the background areas, and remove them from the image.

Remove portion of background from image with Paint app

To manually choose the a portion of the background to remove from an image with Paint, use these steps:

  1. Open Paint.

  2. Click on File and select the Open option.

  3. Choose the image with the background to remove.

  4. Click the Open button.

  5. Click the Select button from the “Image” section in the ribbon.

  6. Select the area with a background to remove.

    Paint select tool

  7. Click the “Remove background” button from the “Image” section in the ribbon.

    Paint manual background remove

  8. (Optional) Use the “Zoom” tool to enlarge the image and use the “Eraser” option to finish cleaning residues of pixels around the object.

  9. Click the Save button.

After you complete the steps, Microsoft Paint will remove the background only from the portion you selected on the image.

The company doesn’t note whether this feature uses AI, but it does well. However, it’s not perfect since cleaning the pixels around the objects leaves some residues behind. In some cases, you could zoom in and use the eraser to clean up the cropping.

If you can’t find the option, it’s because you’re using the version of Microsoft Paint that includes the feature. If you have a device in the Dev or Canary Channel, open the Microsoft Store, navigate to the “Library” page, and click the “Get updates” button to download the latest version of Paint.