Microsoft adds a generative AI feature to Notepad, its simple text editor

Simple text editors offer a way to edit or write plain text without fancy formatting or other features usually associated with word processors. Generally used by coders and programmers, there are several text editors on the market, with Microsoft's Notepad being one of the most well-known.

2

Windows Notepad's new AI 'Rewrite' feature is coming soon, image credit: Microsoft.

Windows Notepad has been part of Microsoft's popular operating system since version 1.0 and has received numerous updates. While its core functionality has remained the same, new features and tools have been added. During the Windows 10 era, Microsoft added zoom capabilities to Notepad and the ability to highlight text and search for that phrase or text string on Bing.

Now, Microsoft is adding generative AI tools and features, currently available in Notepad version 11.2410.15.0 for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels for Windows 11.

"With this update, we are introducing the ability to rewrite content in Notepad with the help of generative AI," Microsoft writes in the announcement. "You can rephrase sentences, adjust the tone, and modify the length of your content based on your preferences to refine your text."

How it works: highlight the test you want to be rewritten by AI, and the new Rewrite tool will generate three variations to choose from. You can also refine the output or customize the settings to match what you're after and then select Retry to get even more variations. Some options include making the highlighted text longer or shorter and changing the tone.

This preview of Notepad's new AI Rewrite tool is only available for Windows 11 users in the United States, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Notepad Rewrite is cloud-based and requires AI Credits, which are available to Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscribers.

• Read more: Still don't want to upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft hopes 24H2 update might change your mind
• Read more: Microsoft could copy Apple and rebrand AI features from Copilot to 'Windows Intelligence'
• Read more: Microsoft seems to be stepping up campaign to get folks to abandon Windows 10 for Window 11
• Read more: Windows 11 is now the dominant OS among PC gamers