Notepad, the simple text editor that has been a staple of Windows for decades, could be getting a further revamped look. Following the growth of Microsoft’s Copilot AI platform, Notepad has received a series of significant updates, and the latest one—a refreshed context menu—is part of a broader effort to modernize the app for the Windows 11 era.
This update would overhaul Notepad’s right-click context menu, giving it a more modern and consistent appearance that aligns with the rest of the Windows 11 design language. The new menu is more compact and features a clean row of labeled icons at the top, similar to the context menu found in File Explorer. This change makes the menu not only more visually appealing but also more efficient to navigate.
The context menu update, while seemingly minor, is a continuation of a string of new features that have transformed Notepad from a bare-bones tool into a more versatile and intelligent one. The most notable of these recent changes are powered by Microsoft’s AI platform:
- AI-Powered “Rewrite” and “Write”: With the integration of Copilot, Notepad now has the ability to generate and refine text using generative AI. The “Rewrite” feature allows users to select text and rephrase it, change its tone (e.g., from formal to casual), or adjust its length. Building on this, the “Write” feature allows users to simply type a prompt and have Copilot draft new content from scratch. This makes Notepad a more active tool for brainstorming, drafting, and editing. It’s worth noting that some of these AI features require a Microsoft account and may be tied to a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription.
- Tabs and Other Quality-of-Life Updates: Before the AI integration, Notepad’s modernization began with the addition of tabs, allowing users to open and manage multiple files within a single window. Other practical updates have included spellcheck, autocorrect, and an autosave feature to prevent data loss. The app has also been updated to support Unicode characters better and includes a dark mode for improved visual comfort.
These updates signal a clear shift in Microsoft’s strategy. By infusing a traditionally simple app like Notepad with advanced AI capabilities, the company is making AI a seamless and ever-present part of the core Windows experience. The classic Notepad remains a fast and lightweight tool, but it is now attempting to evolve into a more powerful text editor that balances simplicity with the benefits of artificial intelligence.
