WordPad Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft is turning Windows 11’s Notepad into a AI toy with “streaming” where you watch AI text type itself

Microsoft is updating its Notepad application by enhancing the integration of AI through the Copilot feature, introducing a "streaming" capability that allows users to see text generated in real-time. This feature is currently being rolled out exclusively for Copilot+ PCs but will eventually extend to all regular PCs capable of running Windows 11. The AI integration in Notepad is designed to be an optional feature, though it is turned on by default, allowing users to access functions like Write, Rewrite, Customized Rewrite, and Summarize. Users can disable the AI functionality by going to Settings > Copilot, although the Copilot components will remain embedded within the application.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Windows 11’s Notepad gets support for tables and bolstered AI powers – and not everyone’s happy

Microsoft is enhancing the Notepad application in Windows 11 with new features, including the ability to create tables and AI-driven text creation and rewriting capabilities. The latest preview is available to testers in the Canary and Dev Channels. The AI features allow real-time text generation but require devices with Copilot+ technology and a Microsoft account for access. There are concerns about Notepad becoming bloated and losing its minimalist design as it integrates more functionalities, especially following the planned discontinuation of WordPad in 2024, which may position Notepad as a more robust alternative for document creation.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft adds tables and more AI to Notepad — what happened to the app we loved?

Windows 11's Notepad app is receiving new features for testing by Windows Insiders, including support for bold and italic text, hyperlinks, lists, and headings. The introduction of AI capabilities, such as streaming responses for the Write, Rewrite, and Summarize tools, has led to mixed user feedback, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the integration of AI into the traditionally simple application. Users have voiced concerns about feature bloat, with some feeling that Notepad is losing its identity as a lightweight tool. There is a growing sentiment of AI fatigue among users, reflecting frustration with unnecessary AI tools in applications where they are not needed.

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

November 24, 2025

Microsoft’s Notepad; The Best Advertisement For Notepad++ There is

Notepad has transformed from a simple text editor into a more complex tool integrated with Microsoft accounts and AI features, which many users find unfavorable. The decision to phase out Wordpad has left users seeking alternatives. Notepad++ offers a customizable experience that allows users to add features selectively, catering to those who prefer simplicity. The changes to Notepad have led to increased frustration among users who valued its original straightforward functionality.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Microsoft removes old web components from Windows

Microsoft has deprecated a series of web components in Windows, including Legacy Web View, HTML and JavaScript apps from Windows 8 and 8.1, the first generation of Progressive Web Apps, and developer tools from the original Edge browser. These components are built on EdgeHTML, which powered the classic Edge before its transition to Chromium in 2020. While these features will not be removed immediately and will continue to receive security updates for now, they will eventually cease to receive updates and be phased out in future Windows versions. Microsoft is directing developers towards alternatives like WebView2 and modern Chromium-based Progressive Web Apps. This announcement is part of a broader clean-up initiative that also includes the removal of WordPad, Mixed Reality, NTLMv1 protocols, and tools like WMIC and PowerShell 2.0.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Newest version of Windows 11 Notepad gets improved context menus

Microsoft is retiring WordPad in 2024, prompting Notepad to evolve with new features such as spell check, AI-generated text, and Markdown formatting. The upcoming Notepad version 11.2507.26.0, available to Windows Insiders, includes a redesigned context menu with quick actions like copy, cut, paste, select all, and delete, as well as new functionalities like Write, Rewrite, Summarize, and Define with Bing. A broader rollout of the enhanced Notepad experience is expected by September or October.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Hands on with Windows 11 Notepad’s new markdown support

Notepad in Windows 11 has introduced markdown capabilities, allowing users to format text with features such as headings, subheadings, body text, bullet points, and numbered lists. The markdown formatting is enabled by default and can be accessed through a new formatting toolbar or by using syntax like "###" for headings. Additionally, users can apply bold and italic styles and include hyperlinks. Notepad remains lightweight, with minimal CPU and memory usage, and users can disable formatting in the Settings menu if desired.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Microsoft just gave the Windows 11 Notepad app a controversial feature that people are either loving or hating

Windows 11's Notepad app has received an update that introduces new formatting capabilities, making it more similar to the retired WordPad. Users are receiving this update through the Microsoft Store for the stable version of Windows 11. Reactions to the update are mixed; some users appreciate the enhancements, while others feel that Notepad is becoming bloated with unnecessary features. Microsoft has included a toggle feature that allows users to disable the new formatting options, enabling them to revert to the traditional Notepad experience.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft is just turning Notepad into WordPad at this point, and I’m not sure I like it

Microsoft has phased out WordPad from Windows 11 as of 2024. Notepad has undergone updates that introduced a modern user interface, tab support, and autosave features, but concerns have arisen about it losing its simplicity due to new features like spellchecking and AI capabilities. Microsoft plans to release Edit, a command line-based text editor, to provide a straightforward alternative for users. Alternatives to Notepad include Notepad++ and CherryTree, which offer more advanced features.