What to know

  • Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into its 41-year-old Notepad app through a new “Rewrite” feature that allows users to modify and enhance text content.
  • The AI feature lets you rewrite sentences, adjust tone (formal, casual, inspirational, or humorous), and modify text length and format (paragraph, list, business, academic, marketing, or poetry).
  • Currently available in preview for Windows Insiders in select countries (US, UK, France, Canada, Italy, and Germany), the feature requires a Microsoft account and operates on a credit system.

Microsoft is making changes to its classic Notepad application by incorporating artificial intelligence capabilities, marking a significant upgrade to the text editor that has been around since 1983. The new “Rewrite” feature represents a major leap forward for the traditionally simple text editor.

To use the new AI feature, you’ll need to highlight your text and either right-click to select ‘Rewrite’ or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+I. The system will then generate three different versions of your text, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

The feature, as announced on the Windows Insider Blog, also adds spell-check and autocorrect features to Notepad, making it more functional for everyday use. For those who prefer the traditional Notepad experience, you can disable the AI features through the app settings menu.

The Rewrite tool has rolled out to Windows 11 users across six major markets – the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany. You’ll need to log into your Microsoft account to access this feature while it’s in its preview phase.

If you’re a Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriber or have a Copilot Pro subscription in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand, you can tap into the AI credits system to use Rewrite in Notepad.

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers receive 60 AI credits per month, while Copilot Pro subscribers enjoy unlimited access. If you run out of credits, you’ll need to either wait for the monthly reset or upgrade to Copilot Pro.

The phased deployment strategy allows Microsoft to gather user feedback and fine-tune the feature before a potential wider release. Keep in mind that availability might vary based on your specific location within these regions.

This AI integration is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to incorporate artificial intelligence across its Windows platform, including other applications like Paint, which is receiving AI-powered features such as Generative Fill and Generative Erase for image editing.