The Windows Notepad Just Got a Massive Upgrade

Microsoft has introduced a major update to its Notepad app, transforming the once-basic text editor into a more powerful tool with generative AI capabilities. The new features are available to users with an active Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription.

AI-Powered Content Generation

The latest update allows users to generate custom content directly within Notepad using a new “Write with Copilot” function. The feature can be used by right-clicking within the text field or pressing the Ctrl + Q shortcut. After entering a prompt, Copilot generates text accordingly. Follow-up prompts can further refine the output, offering a more dynamic and personalized writing experience.

Here is what it looks like.

This enhancement builds on the earlier Rewrite tool, which allowed users to rephrase or enhance existing content using AI. With the new “Write” feature, users can now create original text from scratch directly without having to leave Notepad.

Additional AI Features Across Windows Apps

Microsoft is also expanding AI functionality to other core Windows applications. The Paint app now includes a generative sticker tool, enabling users to create custom graphics from written prompts. A new Object select feature allows users to select specific parts of an image for editing. Both features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, including select models from HP’s latest laptop lineup.

The Snipping Tool has received an update as well. A new Perfect screenshot function automatically crops and resizes screen captures using AI assistance, reducing the need for manual editing. Like the Paint upgrades, this feature is limited to Copilot+ hardware. However, a newly added Color picker tool—which displays HEX, RGB, and HSL values for any on-screen color—is available to all users.

Availability

All new features will be released first to Windows Insiders, Microsoft’s beta testing community. Full availability for general users will follow in later updates, contingent on hardware compatibility and subscription access.