Notepad

Winsage
January 17, 2026
Notepad has undergone significant enhancements since 2022, including spell checking, dark mode, tabbed windows, state preservation, basic formatting capabilities, and the introduction of tables. The AI text streaming feature is currently available only on Copilot+ PCs but will eventually be rolled out to all Windows 11 systems. Users appreciate Notepad's simplicity and minimalistic design, though there are concerns that adding too many features may compromise its core functionality.
Winsage
January 16, 2026
Microsoft has launched the "Create a table" feature for Notepad, initially tested with Windows Insiders in November 2025, now available to all Windows 11 users. This feature allows users to create tables using Markdown-style formatting, storing them as plain text in .txt files. Users can add rows or columns easily, and a grid picker is available for selecting the number of rows and columns. The feature includes options for formatting text within table cells and managing tables through right-click controls. It is enabled by default, but users can disable it along with other markdown formatting options. Additionally, Notepad has introduced an AI text streaming capability for Copilot+ PC users, allowing real-time text generation, with plans to extend this feature to non-AI PCs in the future.
Winsage
January 10, 2026
Windows 11 includes the Microsoft Edit command-line tool for editing text files directly within Command Prompt or PowerShell. The tool is under 250KB in size. To install Microsoft Edit, users can open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: winget install --id Microsoft.Edit. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from GitHub, but manual configuration is required. To use Microsoft Edit, users can launch it by typing PLACEHOLDERb167be8248c505bb in Command Prompt or PLACEHOLDER4905f66b5f26fc6f for administrator access. Existing text files can be edited using the command edit filename.txt, and new files can be created with the same command. Basic editing options include undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, and find and replace. Files can be saved with "Ctrl + S" and exited with "Ctrl + Q". The tool is designed for straightforward text editing without the need to switch applications.
Winsage
January 9, 2026
Windows 11 has integrated AI features, including Copilot, which is pinned to the taskbar and embedded in applications like Notepad and Paint. Users cannot universally disable these features, although individual toggles exist. A community script called RemoveWindowsAI has been created to disable Windows AI features at the system level and modify Windows Update settings to prevent reinstallation. The script targets Copilot, Recall, and their integrations, allowing users to disable all features or select specific components. It operates by making registry changes and aims to eliminate visible AI entry points while maintaining their disabled status across updates. When executed, RemoveWindowsAI removes Copilot from the taskbar, uninstalls the app, and disables AI functionalities in applications. Users run the script through Windows PowerShell 5.1, and it can be rerun to re-enable features. The tool provides a consistent experience but has limitations, as it may not address new AI features or changes from major Windows updates.
Winsage
January 7, 2026
The integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 has led to mixed reactions among users, with some feeling overwhelmed by features like Copilot. RemoveWindowsAI is a free script that allows users to disable various AI features, including Copilot, Recall, and AI integrations in applications like Edge, Paint, and Notepad. The script modifies registry keys and prevents Windows Update from reinstalling these features. To use RemoveWindowsAI, users must launch Microsoft PowerShell 5.1, copy a command from the official GitHub page, and follow the prompts to select which AI features to disable. Testing the script showed that removing AI features significantly altered the user experience, with the Copilot icon and application disappearing from Notepad and Settings.
Winsage
January 7, 2026
Patch My PC Home Updater is a tool designed for Windows 11 PCs that manages third-party application updates automatically. It scans installed applications, identifies outdated ones, and facilitates updates from a single interface without requiring sign-up or advertisements. The tool supports over 500 common applications and uses color coding to indicate app status. It pulls updates from official sources and verifies them with VirusTotal for security. Features include silent mode for background updates, scheduling for automatic updates, and basic app management capabilities such as installing new applications and bulk uninstalling programs. The updater enhances security by swiftly patching vulnerabilities and integrates with Windows Defender for comprehensive protection. Users can easily set up the tool, automate updates, and customize settings as needed.
Winsage
January 6, 2026
Microsoft has released a support document titled “Release information for AI components” that details the AI components integrated into Windows 11, which can be installed through Windows Update or accessed via the Microsoft Update Catalog. These components are essential for enabling various AI models to operate locally on devices, and installations typically occur automatically on compatible PCs with 40+ TOPs of NPU. The size of Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates has increased significantly, now ranging from 4-5GB, compared to previous updates that were under 800MB. Users can manage AI components through Settings > System > AI Components, although this page is empty for older PCs. The changelog includes individual components like the Settings Model, Image Search, Semantic Analysis, and Content Extraction, as well as lower-level elements such as Execution Provider. Updates for these AI models occur every few weeks, often without visible changes.
Winsage
December 27, 2025
In 2025, many users began transitioning to Linux due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11 and the end-of-life status of Windows 10. Users faced challenges with Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements, leading some to seek alternatives. Criticism of Windows 11 included issues with the Start menu, high memory consumption, and a perceived prioritization of AI features over user control. Some users have successfully adopted Linux, finding open-source alternatives to popular applications, though hardware compatibility and troubleshooting remain concerns. Familiar desktop environments like KDE Plasma and Cinnamon in distributions such as Fedora and Linux Mint have made Linux more accessible. While some distributions aim to enhance gaming performance, many users still prefer Windows for certain tasks, particularly those involving Adobe products. Microsoft's dominance in the desktop OS market is expected to continue, with future developments potentially influenced by AI integration. The relationship between Windows and Linux may evolve towards coexistence rather than a complete shift in dominance.
Winsage
December 8, 2025
A script named "RemoveWindowsAI," hosted on GitHub by developer zoicware, allows users to disable or remove AI features in Windows 11, such as Copilot and Recall. It modifies registry keys, removes AppX packages, and installs a custom update package to prevent reinstallation. The tool supports Windows 11 versions starting from 25H2 and includes options for user interaction and backups. Interest in the script increased significantly after a post on X, leading to over 12,000 likes and 300,000 views. The repository has received 938 stars and 25 forks. Microsoft has integrated AI features into Windows 11 but faces user concerns regarding privacy and performance, with some users expressing dissatisfaction over resource consumption and data harvesting.
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