Microsoft, with a market capitalization hovering around trillion, has the resources to engage high-profile celebrities for its promotional campaigns. Yet, amidst growing criticism of Windows 11’s heavy reliance on artificial intelligence, the tech giant has opted to utilize Copilot for generating “creative” images featuring people, all in an effort to highlight the operating system’s capabilities.
The company maintains a dedicated Windows Learning Center page, where it publishes a variety of explainer and how-to blogs focused on different features of Windows 11. By late 2025, Copilot had integrated image generation capabilities powered by ChatGPT, prompting Microsoft to experiment with AI-generated visuals in these blog posts. In 2026, Windows Latest first identified the caption “AI Art Created via Copilot” appearing beneath embedded images in nearly all entries on the Windows Learning Center.
Microsoft uses AI-generated images inside the Windows Learning Center blog posts
Interestingly, the header images featured in these blog posts do not appear to be AI-generated—at least, one hopes so—since the quality of AI imagery has reached a point where it is often indistinguishable from real photographs. Microsoft has not explicitly stated that AI is involved in the creation of these header images.
However, if you explore any recent blog post within the Windows Learning Center, you will encounter an AI-generated image depicting a specific feature, often featuring an AI-generated human. Even if the AI nature of the image goes unnoticed, Microsoft has taken the liberty of tagging these images with “AI Art Created by Copilot.”
This approach is not entirely unexpected from Microsoft, especially as it seeks to promote the built-in tools and features of Windows 11. The company appears to seize every opportunity to inform users about Copilot, despite the prevailing sentiment against its AI initiatives.
It is worth noting that Microsoft is not a startup constrained by budgetary limitations; it is a tech titan capable of investing in studio space and hiring models for promotional imagery. The tagline accompanying these images serves as a subtle advertisement for Copilot itself.
While any company has the right to market its products, Microsoft faces unique challenges. The backlash against its AI efforts has intensified, with social media users expressing disdain for both the company and Windows 11. As the term “Microslop” gains traction, Microsoft has chosen to showcase more AI in its promotional materials.
Moreover, there is a compelling argument for Microsoft to reconsider its reliance on AI-generated images, particularly given the potential for Copilot to produce inaccuracies. For instance, an AI-generated depiction of the Windows Widgets board appeared in a how-to blog about using widgets on Windows 11, but the image did not accurately represent the actual user experience. Such discrepancies could mislead users and undermine the credibility of the content.
Microsoft should promote human creativity
At a time when Microsoft’s reputation is facing challenges, many users are exploring alternatives such as macOS or Linux. While Linux caters to advanced users, macOS has become increasingly accessible, especially with the recent launch of the MacBook Neo, which has sparked discussions on social media regarding its specifications.
In stark contrast, Microsoft has found itself under fire online, with rumors circulating about the company banning the term “Microslop” in Store reviews, despite these claims being debunked. Although Microsoft has pledged to enhance Windows 11 with genuine performance improvements and a reduction in AI emphasis, overcoming such entrenched negativity is no small feat.
To regain consumer trust, Microsoft must pivot towards promoting human creativity through Windows and its devices—an area where Apple has excelled. For instance, Microsoft’s Clipchamp falls short when compared to Apple’s iMovie, which is freely available and lacks the restrictive freemium model that Clipchamp employs.
By prioritizing human creativity, Microsoft can position Windows as a platform that empowers creators, much like Nike champions athletes. While power users may long for the functionality reminiscent of Windows 7, the broader user base consists of everyday individuals who utilize the OS out of necessity rather than desire.
As the new MacBook Neo raises the bar for Windows OEMs to produce better-designed laptops in the 0 range, Microsoft must ensure that users choose the Windows OS. To achieve this, a shift away from AI and a renewed focus on human-centric solutions are essential.
