Windows users seeking to fully harness the capabilities of their operating system and integrated applications are facing a notable shift. Microsoft has announced that two beloved applications, Notepad and Paint, will now have certain features locked behind a paid subscription model.
These applications have long been staples of the Windows experience, with recent updates introducing innovative functionalities. Notably, Paint has embraced AI advancements, incorporating features such as image generation, while Notepad has welcomed its first spell checker and is expected to roll out AI enhancements in the near future.
Previously, Windows Insiders enjoyed complimentary access to these features, but Microsoft is now mandating a Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality. Users will encounter a new overlay alerting them to this change before they can access the features, which will appear grayed out for non-subscribers.
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The subscription for Microsoft 365 begins at .99 per month or .99 annually. While users can still access Notepad and Paint without a subscription, they will miss out on the latest features, marking a significant departure from Microsoft’s previous approach of offering these applications at no cost.
What exactly isn’t free anymore?
In Notepad, users will retain the ability to perform spell checks in various languages. However, the following features will be unavailable without an active Microsoft 365 subscription:
- AI rewriting of text selections.
- AI generation of alternative versions of text selections, with different formatting, tone, and more.
- AI shortening or lengthening of text selections.
For Paint, the primary feature now behind a paywall is the Image Creator, which utilizes OpenAI’s Dall-E to generate images based on user prompts. Fortunately, the recently introduced background removal tool remains accessible to all users.
Further reading: Microsoft reveals AI roadmap for Windows 11
This information was initially reported by our sister publication PC-WELT and has been translated and localized from German.
