Notepad, a staple of the Windows operating system, is poised for a transformation that could redefine its utility. Traditionally viewed as a straightforward text editor, its simplicity has long been both a charm and a limitation. However, Microsoft is now testing an innovative AI feature that promises to enhance the functionality of this beloved application.
Introducing AI-Powered Summarization
The upcoming feature, part of Notepad version 11.2501.29.0, is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders—those adventurous users who opt into Microsoft’s early access program. This new capability allows users to highlight a section of text, right-click, and select the ‘Summarize’ option. For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts, pressing Ctrl + M will also activate the AI-generated summary. Users will have the flexibility to adjust the summary length according to their specific needs, making it a versatile tool for various writing tasks.
For those who may find this feature unnecessary, it can easily be disabled within the app settings. It’s worth noting that, similar to other AI functionalities in Windows 11, access to the summary generator requires users to be signed in with a Microsoft personal account.
Enhancing Text Editing with Rewrite
This summarization feature complements the ‘Rewrite’ function introduced last year, which allows users to modify sentences or text blocks to achieve different lengths, tones, or formats. Together, these tools empower users to refine their text files, enabling them to adjust the depth and style of their writing effortlessly. Whether aiming for brevity or elaboration, Notepad is evolving to meet the diverse needs of its users.
Streamlined Navigation with Recent Files
In addition to the AI enhancements, this update also introduces a ‘Recent Files’ option in the File menu. This addition simplifies the process of accessing recently used or closed documents, allowing users to seamlessly continue their writing where they left off. As with the other features, this option can be disabled for those who prefer a more minimalist approach to their workspace.
