TLDR: Microsoft Notepad has received a significant update, introducing generative AI capabilities such as summarizing, rewriting, and generating text. These features, powered by Microsoft Copilot AI, are available to Windows Insiders and require a Microsoft personal account, with Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscribers utilizing AI credits for access. This marks a major evolution for the long-standing text editor.
Microsoft has rolled out a transformative update to its venerable Notepad application, integrating advanced generative artificial intelligence features that empower users to summarize, rewrite, and generate text directly within the editor. This move signifies a substantial leap for the simple text editor, which has been a staple of Windows since its inception in 1983.
The new AI functionalities are powered by Microsoft’s Copilot AI, leveraging GPT technology to provide intelligent assistance. Key features include “Summarize,” which allows users to condense selected text into a concise overview, accessible via a right-click or the Ctrl + M shortcut. Users can also customize the length of these summaries. The “Rewrite” feature enables users to refine their writing by adjusting tone, modifying length, or rephrasing content for improved clarity. Furthermore, a “Write” function allows Copilot AI to generate entirely new text based on user prompts, with the option to review and insert the generated content into the document.
These AI-powered capabilities are currently available to Windows Insiders across the Beta, Canary, and Dev Channels on Windows 11. To utilize these features, users are required to sign in with a Microsoft personal account. While basic functionalities of Notepad remain free, the advanced AI-driven writing and summarization tools are now part of the Microsoft 365 subscription benefits. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers receive 60 AI credits per month, while Copilot Pro subscribers are granted extensive usage of these AI features. These AI capabilities are accessible globally, with the exception of China, Macao, and Russia.
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Microsoft emphasizes user privacy, stating that the AI features process content via an online Azure service but do not store the text or generated content after processing, ensuring data security. Beyond the generative AI additions, Notepad has also seen other enhancements, including a “Recent files” menu for easier navigation and and the long-awaited introduction of spell-check and autocorrect. This comprehensive update positions Notepad as a more versatile and intelligent tool for text manipulation within the Windows ecosystem.
