AI Tricks That Can Make Your Laptop Smarter

While Copilot+ PC features like Recall and Click to Do offer advanced AI capabilities to compatible laptops, several useful AI features are also available on regular Windows laptops. Notably, these features, such as rewriting text in Notepad, removing image backgrounds, getting live captions, and searching for files using natural language, can make a laptop feel noticeably smarter without requiring additional software. Take a look at these AI tricks that might be worth trying for users.

Why It Matters

AI features in laptops can help users simplify their daily tasks, save time, get things done more easily without relying on additional software, and make better use of the tools already available on a Windows laptop.

AI Features Worth Trying on a Windows Laptop

1. Use AI Writing Tools in Notepad

Unlike earlier versions, Notepad on new-generation Windows laptops comes with inbuilt AI writing tools that can help users rewrite, summarize, expand, or change the tone of text without switching to another app. It would be quite useful for making quick drafts, notes, or emails.

How to use it:

• Launch Notepad and type or paste the text.

• Select the text you want to improve.

• Click the Copilot or AI Writing Tools option -- available in the toolbar or via right-click.

• Choose an action such as Rewrite, Summarize, Make longer or shorter or Change tone (formal, casual, etc.).

Availability: Most AI writing tools in Notepad require a Microsoft account and AI credits. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans include a monthly allowance of AI credits, usually 60.

2. Remove Backgrounds or Unwanted Objects Instantly

Users do not need any third-party software if they want to do simple editing, such as removing a background or removing any unwanted objects from an image, on a Windows laptop. Notably, Windows includes inbuilt AI tools in the Photos app and Paint that can do all these jobs in a few clicks.

How to use it:

In the Photos app:

• Open the image in Photos.

• Click Edit or look for the AI editing options.

• Choose Remove background or use Generative Erase / Erase to paint over objects you want to remove.

• The AI fills the area automatically.

In Paint:

• Open the image in Paint.

• Use the Remove background or generative erase tools available under the Copilot or editing options.

Availability: Basic Remove Background and Generative Erase tools are free for most Windows 11 users and do not require a Microsoft 365 subscription or AI credits. However, some advanced features may require a subscription or Copilot+ PC.

3. Turn on Live Captions for Any Audio

Live Captions generates real-time captions for the audio playing on the laptop. It can be useful to users for watching videos, attending online meetings, or listening to audio where the sound is unclear. On supported devices, it can also translate audio from many languages into English.

How to turn it on:

• Go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Captions.

• Turn on Live Captions.

• Once enabled, captions will appear automatically whenever audio is detected.

Availability: Live Captions is completely free and does not require a Microsoft 365 subscription or AI credits.

4. Extract Text from Images or Anywhere on Screen

With the Snipping Tool’s Text Actions (OCR) feature, users can extract text from images, screenshots, PDFs, or even text that cannot be selected normally. It is useful for copying text from scanned documents, images, error messages, or any content that does not allow normal selection.

How to use it:

• Press Windows + Shift + S to open Snipping Tool, or press Windows + Shift + T for direct text extraction.

• Select the area that contains the text.

• Click Text Actions.

• Choose Copy all text or select specific text.

• Users can also use Quick Redact to automatically hide email addresses or phone numbers before sharing.

Availability: This feature is free and built into the Snipping Tool on Windows 11. No Microsoft 365 subscription or AI credits are required.

5. Search Your Files with Natural Language

Instead of remembering exact file names, users can now search for files, photos, and documents by describing them in everyday language. Windows Search and File Explorer can understand natural language queries on supported Windows 11 PCs, making it easier to find files without remembering their exact names.

How to use it:

• Press Windows + S or click the search box on the taskbar.

• Type a description instead of a file name.

• Examples:

  • "photos from last trip"

  • "budget spreadsheet from March"

  • "presentation about sales"

• Users can also try the same type of search inside File Explorer.

Availability: Basic search is free and works on all Windows 11 PCs. Advanced natural language (semantic) search is also available without a separate subscription, but works best on supported Copilot+ PCs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Next Steps

You can try these AI features on a Windows laptop to simplify everyday tasks and save time.

There are more Windows and laptop tips, such as 5 Windows Security Settings You Should Turn Off on Laptop, Best Free Antivirus & Security Settings for Laptop Users, Best Free Tools to Check Laptop Battery Health, How to Extend Laptop Lifespan by 2 to 3 Years, and more.

Additionally, you can also read our guides on choosing the right laptop bag and cleaning and maintaining your laptop bag. Along with that, there are easy to understand guides on when to repair or replace a laptop, how to extend your laptop's lifespan, set up a new laptop correctly, and improve your device's security with free antivirus tools and essential security tips.

And if you are thinking about replacing their current device, don't miss our picks for the ARM Copilot+ PC vs Ryzen AI PC, best convertible,  business, gaming, creator, and travel-friendly laptops, along with our MacBook Air vs Windows ultrabooks comparison.

Disclaimer: AI feature availability may vary depending on the Windows version, laptop model, region, and Microsoft account or subscription.