Microsoft has released an update for Notepad, version 11.2504.50.0, to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, introducing formatting features such as bold text, italics, hyperlinks, lists, and headers. The update includes a formatting toolbar and Markdown support, allowing users to switch between styled content and raw Markdown syntax. Users can disable formatting or revert to plain text, but the changes suggest a shift towards a more complex word processor. The update is free as part of Windows 11, but concerns exist regarding the potential loss of Notepad's simplicity.