How to Use Generative Erase in Windows 11 Photos App
Want to get rid of unwanted objects in your photos? The Windows 11 Photos app has a new tool for that: Generative Erase.
Think of it as a powerful AI tool for quickly cleaning up distracting elements like photobombers or background clutter, making your photos look more polished. You just brush over the object you want gone, and Generative Erase intelligently fills in the space, making your image look natural. This means you can achieve professional-looking edits right on your PC, no complex software needed.
Generative Erase in the Windows 11 Photos app removes unwanted objects from your pictures. Open the photo, click Edit Image, then select the Erase tab. Paint over the object you want removed, and the app intelligently fills the space.
What is the Photos app?
The Photos app comes pre-installed on Windows 11. It’s your go-to for opening, viewing, and organizing all your pictures. You can also edit them here, and even connect to cloud storage like OneDrive or iCloud. Beyond that, Photos lets you do things like change backgrounds or remove them entirely, and much more.
What is Generative Erase?
You’ll find this smart new tool, Generative Erase, starting with Photos app version 2024.11020.21001.0. This tool removes people, signs, or other objects from your photos with a clean, natural look. It works better than older eraser tools, even when you need to remove large areas.
How to Use Generative Erase
Why use this? Generative Erase saves you time and makes your photos look professional without complicated editing skills.
- Open the Photos app and choose the picture you want to edit.
- Click the Edit Image button at the top. You can also press
Ctrl + Eon your keyboard.
- Look at the toolbar at the top. Click the Erase tab.
- Use your mouse or finger to paint over the object or area you want to remove.
- Change the brush size as needed. Make it smaller for precise edits or bigger for larger areas.
- Watch as the unwanted object disappears. The background fills in naturally!
Tip: If you want more control, turn off Auto Apply. This lets you add or remove multiple areas you’ve erased (these are called masks) before you save your photo.
- When you’re happy with the result, save your edited photo.
Summary
The new Generative Erase tool helps you quickly remove unwanted objects from photos. What happens when you use it? The app intelligently fills in the area where the object was, making it look like it was never there.
You can adjust brush size for detailed work. You can also switch off Auto Apply to erase several objects carefully before saving.
Try this feature out and make your photos look cleaner and more professional!
For more information, check out the official Microsoft blog post.
What is generative erase?
Compared to Spot fix, Generative erase creates a more seamless and realistic result after objects are erased from the photo, even when erasing large areas. Before and after using generative erase to remove unwanted objects from the photo. To use Generative erase, go to Edit Image and select the Erase option.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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