Microsoft has once again turned its attention to Notepad, the long-standing text editor that has been a staple in Windows for decades. The latest update introduces a range of text formatting options that some users are questioning the necessity of.
I do not understand why Microsoft cannot leave well enough alone and just let Notepad be a very lightweight and streamlined note-taking app.
Historically, Windows included an editor named WordPad, which boasted formatting capabilities. However, this application was removed from the operating system in 2024, leaving Notepad as the primary tool for plain text editing. Despite its legacy as a simple text editor, Notepad is now evolving, much to the chagrin of its loyal users.
The recent update, which began rolling out at the end of last month, adds a variety of toolbar options, enabling users to apply bold and italic styles, create hyperlinks, and format simple lists and headings. Currently, these features are being tested with Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels, leaving open the possibility that Microsoft may reconsider before the changes reach the general public. However, many users remain skeptical.
According to Microsoft, the new experience supports Markdown-style input and files, catering to those who prefer working with this lightweight markup language. Users can easily toggle between formatted Markdown and Markdown syntax views through the view menu or a button in the status bar. For those who wish to maintain the traditional Notepad experience, there is an option to disable formatting entirely in the app settings. Users can revert to plain text by clearing all formatting from the toolbar or the edit menu.
This update has raised concerns among users who relied on Notepad to strip formatting from pasted text. The introduction of formatting options may complicate this once straightforward process, potentially requiring an additional click to achieve the desired result.
In an attempt to gauge user sentiment regarding these changes, inquiries were made to Microsoft about the demand for such updates and whether it would be possible to revert to the original Notepad experience. As of now, Microsoft has not provided a response.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, reflecting a sense of nostalgia for Notepad’s simplicity. Longtime user and Directions on Microsoft Editor in Chief Mary Jo Foley expressed her discontent, stating, “I do not understand why Microsoft cannot leave well enough alone and just let Notepad be a very lightweight and streamlined note-taking app.” Foley speculated that the addition of formatting features might be an attempt to compensate for the discontinuation of WordPad, but she believes it undermines Notepad’s core value.
Looking ahead, Foley voiced her apprehension about what further changes might be in store, noting, “I’m scared to guess because maybe they’ll take it as a suggestion and muck up a good thing even further.” She did acknowledge that some new features, like the addition of Copilot, can be disabled, providing a small measure of relief.
While Microsoft has yet to comment on the situation, users seeking to maintain the original Notepad experience have various workarounds at their disposal. Additionally, there are numerous alternative text editors available for those who prefer a no-frills approach to text editing. Recently, Microsoft announced an open-source Edit application aimed at users who crave a straightforward text editing solution.
The decision to phase out WordPad while enhancing Notepad with AI and formatting features remains puzzling. As WordPad fades into obscurity, the future of Notepad hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead for this iconic application.
