Microsoft is currently piloting an innovative AI-driven text generation feature within Notepad, designed to empower Windows Insiders to craft content from tailored prompts. This new functionality, aptly named “Write,” is being made available to users in the Canary and Dev Channels of Windows 11 who have updated to Notepad version 11.2504.46.0.
Feature Overview
According to Dave Grochocki, Principal Group Product Manager for Windows Inbox Apps, the Write feature streamlines the drafting process. It enables users to either commence from a blank slate or enhance existing text with AI assistance. To utilize this feature, users can position their cursor at the desired insertion point or highlight relevant content for reference. The process is straightforward:
- Right-click and select “Write,”
- Choose “Write” from the Copilot menu, or
- Employ the Ctrl + Q keyboard shortcut.
After entering the desired instruction in the dialog box, users simply click “Send,” and the AI-generated text will seamlessly appear on the canvas.
Once the text is generated, users can choose to incorporate it into their document by clicking the “Keep text” button, or they can opt to “Discard” it if it does not meet their needs. Additionally, users have the option to refine the output by entering further prompts.
To access the Write tool, users must sign in with their Microsoft personal account, as the feature utilizes AI credits associated with Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Copilot Pro subscriptions.
In recent years, Microsoft has been diligently enhancing the Notepad application with various AI features. Notably, in November, the company introduced a text rewriting tool named “Rewrite” with Notepad version 11.2410.15.0. This tool, previously known as CoWriter, leverages generative AI to automatically rephrase content, allowing adjustments in sentence structure, text length, and tone.
Furthermore, in December 2023, a built-in character counter was added, followed by the rollout of spell-check and autocorrect features in July 2024. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, Notepad’s AI functionalities can be disabled through the app’s settings, or users can opt to uninstall Notepad in favor of the classic notepad.exe program.
In addition to Notepad, Microsoft has also begun to unveil new AI capabilities for Paint and Snipping Tool users participating in the Windows Insider program. Users with Paint version 11.2504.451.0 can now create custom stickers via the “Sticker generator button” in the Copilot menu, while an AI-powered selection tool simplifies the isolation of individual image elements.
For Snipping Tool version 11.2504.38.0, enhancements include features for perfect screenshots and a color picker that automatically resizes screenshots based on selected content and identifies the HEX, RGB, or HSL color codes of any pixel on the screen.
