Microsoft Notepad Now Features AI Integration

Essential Information

• Microsoft has infused artificial intelligence into its iconic Notepad application, which has been in use for 41 years, introducing a groundbreaking feature called “Rewrite” that empowers users to edit and refine text.
• This AI functionality enables users to rephrase sentences, alter the tone (options include formal, casual, inspirational, and humorous), and adjust the format and length of text (including styles such as paragraph, list, business, academic, marketing, or poetry).
• Currently, this feature is in a preview stage for Windows Insiders residing in selected countries (the U.S., the UK, France, Canada, Italy, and Germany) and requires a Microsoft account while operating on a credit basis.

Microsoft is enhancing its classic Notepad tool by embedding AI capabilities, representing an important evolution for the text editor that has been a staple since 1983. The newly introduced “Rewrite” feature marks a significant advancement for this simple text tool.

To utilize this innovative AI function, simply highlight the text, then right-click to access the ‘Rewrite’ option or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+I. The application will provide three unique rewrites of your highlighted text, allowing you to select the version that fits your needs best.

According to the announcement on the Windows Insider Blog, the Notepad update also introduces spell-check and autocorrect functionalities, enhancing its usability for daily tasks. Users who wish to retain the classic Notepad features can turn off the AI functionalities through the application settings menu.

The Rewrite feature has begun rolling out to Windows 11 users in six significant markets – namely the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Access requires signing in to your Microsoft account during the preview period.

If you hold a subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, or possess a Copilot Pro subscription in regions like Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand, you can take advantage of the AI credits system to utilize the Rewrite feature in Notepad.

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers are allocated 60 AI credits each month, while Copilot Pro subscribers enjoy unlimited AI credit usage. Those who exhaust their credits must wait for the monthly reset or upgrade to the Copilot Pro plan.

This staged rollout strategy enables Microsoft to collect user feedback and refine the feature in preparation for a potential expansive launch. Please note that access may vary based on specific locations within these regions.

This integration of AI aligns with Microsoft’s broader initiative to embed artificial intelligence throughout its Windows platform, further extending to other applications like Paint, which is set to receive AI-driven features such as Generative Fill and Generative Erase for enhanced image editing.

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