Microsoft continues to infuse its built-in Windows inbox applications with artificial intelligence, recently announcing an update to Notepad that integrates the Copilot feature for text generation. This rollout coincides with the introduction of a new, lightweight command line editor, which stands in stark contrast to the traditional functionality of Notepad.
Notepad’s New Write Feature
The updated Notepad now requires users to sign in with their Microsoft account to access the Write feature. Once logged in, users can select the desired location for new content or highlight existing text for reference. By choosing the Write option from the Copilot menu, the AI generates text that users can review and insert into their document if it meets their needs. The generated output can be saved, discarded, or refined with additional prompts, and users have the option to disable Copilot through the app’s settings.
However, the necessity of this feature raises questions. It remains unclear what prompted Microsoft to believe that users of a simple text editor would require such assistance. Many might argue that a more complex application like WordPad would have been a more suitable candidate for AI integration—if it hadn’t been phased out, presumably to allow Notepad to evolve into a more bloated version of itself.
In contrast, the integration of AI into Outlook within Microsoft 365 seems more justifiable, particularly for busy professionals who may struggle with written communication. Notepad, on the other hand, is typically utilized for straightforward tasks such as jotting down quick notes or converting formatted files into plain text for easier portability.
Microsoft’s foray into AI for Notepad began over a year ago, with the introduction of a “Rewrite” function in November 2024. This feature allowed users to adjust text based on tone, format, and length, marking a significant shift from the application’s long-standing simplicity.
Notepad, which has its roots in Windows 1.0, remained largely unchanged for decades, receiving only sporadic updates. However, in recent years, Microsoft has implemented a series of enhancements, culminating in the latest generative AI capabilities.
AI Enhancements in Paint
In addition to Notepad, Microsoft is also enhancing another inbox tool—Paint. After revitalizing the aging application in 2019, the latest updates introduce AI-driven features, including a sticker generator that creates custom stickers based on user prompts and a smart selection tool for isolating and editing specific elements within images. For those who may struggle to keep pace with these new features, a “welcome experience” has been introduced to guide users through the changes.
While these updates reflect Microsoft’s ambition to innovate, they may come across as superfluous additions rather than essential improvements. Many users might not have been clamoring for AI integration in Notepad, especially when there are ongoing concerns about updates that disrupt the operating system’s functionality.
