Something to look forward to: Paint debuted as part of the initial release of Windows in 1985. Since then, this raster-based graphics editor has offered users basic graphic creation and photo editing, often requiring other programs for more advanced functions. This week, Microsoft announced the limited release of new features aimed at advancing Paint capabilities, including a useful and snappy background removal tool.

Six years ago, users were gearing up to bid farewell to MS Paint after a 32-year run as Windows' bundled graphic editor. The program's fanbase collectively sighed in relief when Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc later announced that MS Paint would still be included in the standard Windows distribution. Since then, this beloved application has received several feature and quality-of-life updates to continually enhance its functionality and user experience.

Dave Grochocki from Microsoft recently announced the latest potential feature enhancement for Paint . According to the post, users participating in the Windows Insiders program will have access to Paint's new background removal capability, which allows users to remove the background of any image with a single mouse click.

Users can paste or import the image they want to edit into Paint's canvas as they normally would. Once imported, a single click on the new "Remove Background" button in the toolbar will remove the imported image's background, leaving only the desired foreground element(s). The new feature also provides users with a familiar rectangle select tool that can be used to select specific areas for background removal.

The feature is currently only available to users participating in Microsoft's Windows Insider Program. This program provides participating users with preview access to new and upcoming Windows features while also allowing them to supply feedback to Microsoft development teams, helping to guide future feature development efforts.

The program includes four distinct distribution channels with varying degrees of feature inclusion and stability. The Canary and Dev Channels provide advanced users with the earliest access to new platform changes and builds, although this can come at the potential expense of feature reliability and stability. The Beta and Release channels are used to distribute and collect feedback on more refined builds and releases that are closer to potential public release.

Currently, there is no planned release date for the new background removal feature, which is available through the program's Canary and Dev channels. Users interested in accessing the Insider Program can register to participate at any time using their Microsoft account.