How to Remove Image Backgrounds in Windows 11 Paint

The Paint app is a basic but helpful tool on your computer. You can use it to touch up photos or make quick changes to images. A new update now lets you remove the background of a photo directly in the app.

Why remove a background?

Removing a background helps the main subject of your photo stand out. It is also great for making transparent images that you can layer on top of other designs for social media or presentations.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish, you will have a clean image with a transparent background. You can then save this file and use it in other projects without the original background cluttering your view.

How to remove an image background

This feature is currently available for devices in the Microsoft Insider Preview program. If your version of Paint is updated, you can try this right now.

1. Open the Paint app on your computer.
2. Click on File and select Open. Choose the image file from your folders File Explorer.
3. Click the “Remove background” button located on the top ribbon.

Paint will automatically detect and remove the background for you.

If you only want to remove the background from a specific part of the image, follow these steps:

1. Click the Select button on the ribbon.
2. Draw a box or shape around the object you want to keep.
3. Click the “Remove background” button again.

Note: If you are performing system-wide updates to ensure your apps are current, you may need admin privileges to install the latest Windows updates.

Summary

Removing backgrounds in Windows 11 Paint is a fast way to edit photos without needing expensive software. By using the “Remove background” button, you can isolate subjects in your images instantly. While this feature started with the Microsoft Insider Preview program, it is becoming a standard tool for all Windows users to create professional-looking graphics with ease.