TLDR: Microsoft is rolling out generative AI capabilities to its Notepad application, introducing features like ‘Rewrite,’ ‘Summarize,’ and ‘Write’ to assist users with text refinement, condensation, and generation. These AI tools, powered by GPT models, are currently available to Windows Insiders on Windows 11 and require a Microsoft account for access and AI credit management.
Microsoft’s venerable Notepad application, a staple of Windows operating systems since 1983, is receiving a significant overhaul with the integration of generative artificial intelligence. This update introduces a suite of AI-powered features designed to enhance text editing and content creation, marking a modern evolution for the traditionally barebones text editor.
The core AI functionalities include ‘Rewrite,’ ‘Summarize,’ and ‘Write.’ The ‘Rewrite’ feature allows users to refine existing text by improving clarity, adjusting tone (from casual to professional), or modifying the length of content. Users can access this by highlighting text, right-clicking, and selecting a ‘Rewrite’ option, or by using the Ctrl + D keyboard shortcut. The tool provides multiple suggested rewrites for selection.
‘Summarize’ is designed to quickly condense long-form text into high-level overviews, extracting key points from documents, notes, or articles to streamline workflows. The ‘Write’ feature enables users to generate new content from scratch or based on selected reference text. This can be invoked by right-clicking, selecting ‘Write’ from the Copilot menu, or using the Ctrl + Q keyboard shortcut, which opens a prompt dialog for describing the desired content. For instance, users can prompt it to draft an email or create a list of tips.
These generative AI features are powered by GPT models and operate as a cloud-based service. Consequently, users must be signed in with their Microsoft account to utilize them. This authentication is also necessary to access and manage AI credits, which are consumed when generating content.
Availability is currently limited to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers receive 60 AI credits per month, while Copilot Pro subscribers benefit from extensive usage. Initial free credits are also provided, with notifications sent when credits are low or exhausted. Additional credits can be purchased through a Copilot Pro subscription. The AI features are available worldwide, with the exception of China, Macao, and Russia.
This integration of AI represents a significant leap for Notepad, which, despite its long history, only recently received features like spellcheck and autocorrect in March 2024. The move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of infusing AI across its software ecosystem, with similar generative AI capabilities also being rolled out to other Windows 11 applications such as Paint (Generative Fill and Erase) and the Snipping Tool (Perfect Screenshot, color picker).
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Users who prefer not to use these AI functionalities can disable them within Notepad’s settings, ensuring control over their writing experience.
