Windows Notepad Archives

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Windows Task Manager’s original creator is bringing a new version to Mac first

David W. Plummer, the creator of the original Windows Task Manager, is developing a new tool called Task Manager OG (TMOG) for macOS, aimed at providing a comprehensive system console for users of graphical user interface-based operating systems. TMOG will feature detailed insights into processor frequency, thermal values, resource allocation metrics, in-depth analysis of CPU core activity, and process branching visualization. The macOS version is being developed using Swift and AppKit, while the Windows version will be a pure Win32 application optimized for x86-64 architecture. A beta version for macOS is currently available, with a Windows beta expected soon. TMOG will be free, with a potential "Pro" version planned for additional features. Plummer's previous company, SoftwareOnline, faced legal issues after he left Microsoft, resulting in a settlement that included 0,000 in civil penalties and ,000 in legal fees.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft begins removing Copilot from Windows 11, starting with Notepad, Snipping Tool

Microsoft has removed the Copilot branding from the Notepad app for Windows Insiders, replacing it with a "Writing tools" icon in the latest update (version 11.2512.28.0). Despite the removal of the logo, AI functionality remains intact, and users can disable the feature through the Settings menu under "Advanced Features." The Snipping Tool has also eliminated the Copilot button and currently shows no AI integration. Microsoft is scaling back unnecessary Copilot integration in various apps, including Notepad and Snipping Tool, while still maintaining underlying AI capabilities.

Winsage

February 15, 2026

Windows 11 KB5077181 fixes gaming bugs, Nvidia black screen, and performance issue affecting explorer.exe, taskbar, and Start menu

Windows 11 KB5077181 is a mandatory update that resolves up to 58 critical vulnerabilities, including a serious flaw in Windows Notepad that could allow for remote code execution. It introduces new features like an Apple Handoff-like Resume function and addresses gaming issues, particularly graphical artifacts in games such as Forza Horizon 5. The update fixes the black screen problem affecting certain Nvidia GPUs and resolves issues related to explorer.exe freezing or crashing upon login. Microsoft has confirmed that the update addresses black screen problems in isolated multiuser environments and rectifies boot failures linked to specific GPU configurations. Users can check if the update is installed by navigating to Settings > System > About, with the latest version being Build 26200.7840 or newer.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Microsoft fixes six actively exploited flaws in latest Windows 11 update

Microsoft's February 2026 Patch Tuesday addressed 59 vulnerabilities in Windows 11, with six confirmed as actively exploited. The most critical vulnerability is CVE-2026-21510, a Windows Shell security feature bypass with a CVSS rating of 8.8, allowing attackers to evade warnings by tricking users into opening malicious files. Another significant vulnerability, CVE-2026-21513, also rated at 8.8, affects MSHTML and allows remote attackers to bypass execution prompts through malicious code in HTML or shortcut files. CVE-2026-21514 impacts Microsoft Word and enables adversaries to disable OLE mitigations, posing risks through document-based attacks. Two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities are CVE-2026-21519 in Desktop Window Manager and CVE-2026-21533 in Windows Remote Desktop Services, with CVSS scores of 7.8. CVE-2026-21525 is a denial-of-service vulnerability in Remote Access Connection Manager. The update includes 53 additional vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products and services, with CVE-2026-21531 in Azure SDK rated at 9.8 and CVE-2026-20841 affecting Windows Notepad rated at 8.8. The cumulative update for Windows 11 (KB5077181) also includes enhancements and resolves WPA3 Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Microsoft reminded users of the June 2026 expiration of Secure Boot certificates, which requires timely updates to ensure secure booting. Users can install the updates via Windows Update.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

6 Windows Notepad Alternatives Worth Checking Out

Notepadify is a minimalist notepad application available on the Microsoft Store, noted for its clean design and user-friendly interface. It features a streamlined menu bar with two main menus, a quick toolbar for common editing tools, and a spacious text box. The application supports rich text formatting, allowing users to bold, italicize, and underline text, and includes a word counter. However, it lacks customization options for font size and style. Notepadify is free to use, with an optional subscription plan for additional features.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

5 Secret Windows 11 Features Everyone Should Be Using By Now

Windows 11 includes features for photo editing, advanced calculations, text extraction from screenshots, timezone management, and enhanced text formatting in Notepad. The Photos app allows users to remove objects and backgrounds from images using AI-powered editing tools. Users can erase objects by selecting the Erase option, adjusting the brush size, and brushing over the object. To remove backgrounds, users choose the Background option and use the Background brush tool. The Windows Calculator offers various modes for complex calculations, including Standard, Scientific, Graphing, Programmer, Date calculation, and Converter options. Users can switch modes via the hamburger icon and keep the Calculator window on top of other applications. The Snipping Tool enables users to copy text from screenshots. Users can take a screenshot with Win + Shift + S, open the Snipping Tool editor, select the Text actions icon, highlight the desired text, and choose to copy it. Windows 11 allows users to add multiple time zones in the Notification Center by accessing the Settings app, selecting Time & language, and navigating to Date & time to set additional clocks. Notepad has been updated to include basic text formatting options. Users can toggle on Formatting in Settings, adjust text size, create lists, and apply bold and italic styles, saving their work as Markdown files.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft adds tables support to Windows Notepad

Microsoft has introduced new features to Windows Notepad, including support for tables and AI enhancements like Summarize, Write, and Rewrite, which are available to users with Copilot+ PCs. The table support is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. The AI features allow for quicker interaction with previews, but access requires a Copilot+ PC or a Microsoft account. The updates have raised concerns among users about Notepad straying from its original purpose as a simple text editor, with some feeling it is losing its identity.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Windows 11 now lets you remove unwanted Microsoft apps natively

Microsoft is preparing to release a significant update for Windows 11, designated as 25H2, which will include a new feature that allows users to easily remove unwanted Microsoft applications through a group policy. This update aims to enhance system performance by reducing clutter. Users will be able to remove applications such as Feedback Hub, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Teams, and others without needing external tools or complex commands. The feature is expected to debut with the Windows 11 25H2 update, and currently, select users can test it in preview builds. It will allow the removal of standard Microsoft Store packages but will not extend to third-party software. There is uncertainty about whether this feature will be available to Windows 11 Home users or limited to the Pro version.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 has a new option to remove all unwanted Microsoft apps

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update will introduce a new policy called the Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages, which allows users to remove unwanted Microsoft applications in a single action through Group Policy. This feature aims to simplify the process of debloating Windows 11, which has historically been cumbersome. Users can find this setting under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. The policy currently supports the removal of various Microsoft applications but does not extend to third-party software. While initial tests show the policy functions as intended, further refinement is needed to address issues like orphaned shortcuts. This feature will not be available to Windows 11 Home users.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft releases a bold new update for Notepad

Microsoft is updating its Windows Notepad app with new text formatting options, including bold and italic styling, hyperlinks, lists, and Markdown support. This update is currently available to testers in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. A new formatting toolbar has been added at the top of the application, allowing easy access to these features. Users can toggle between formatted Markdown and Markdown syntax views. Notepad retains its plain text functionality, and users can clear formatting or disable the new features in the app settings. This update follows the introduction of an AI-powered Write function, enhancing Notepad's capabilities.