Windows 11’s Notepad has taken a significant step forward by introducing table generation capabilities, allowing users to create organized notes, book lists, and to-do sheets with ease. This feature is currently being rolled out and is expected to be accessible to all users in the coming weeks.
Earlier this year, Notepad received an update that included rich text formatting support, enabling users to enhance their text with options such as bold, italic, underline, and bullet points. The addition of table support marks another leap in functionality for this traditionally simple application.
Tables in Notepad are similar to MS Word, but it’s simpler
For those accustomed to Microsoft Word, the table integration in Notepad presents a refreshing simplicity. Adding a table is straightforward—users can simply click the new Table button located on the formatting toolbar. A small pop-up appears, allowing for the selection of the desired number of columns and rows, such as a 3×4 table. For those seeking precision, Notepad offers an “Insert table” dialog where the exact dimensions can be specified before insertion.
Notably, Notepad’s advanced formatting capabilities extend to understanding Markdown-style tables, enhancing its versatility. For instance, a simple table comparing Windows 11 with Windows 10 can be created, complete with formatting options like bold, italic, and even hyperlinks.
Editing tables is equally user-friendly; a simple right-click or the table menu in the toolbar provides options to insert or delete rows and columns, or even remove the entire table. Users can also select entire rows, columns, or the full table, with a particularly useful feature that allows columns to adjust to fit the width of the Notepad window—a favorite among many users.
Does it hurt performance?
As Notepad evolves, concerns about performance may arise, especially with the addition of text formatting and AI features. However, tests conducted by Windows Latest indicate that the integration of formatting and tables remains lightweight, with no noticeable impact on performance. Microsoft has assured users that the rich formatting integration is designed to be ‘lightweight’ and does not compromise the application’s efficiency.
How do you turn off features in Notepad?
For those who prefer a minimalist approach, Notepad allows users to disable many of its new features through the Settings menu. This includes the option to remove formatting tools, such as bold, italic, and table options from the toolbar. Additionally, users can opt to disable the file recovery feature if they find it unnecessary.
Notepad also integrates Copilot for users subscribed to Microsoft 365 Copilot, which can be turned off in the Settings. It’s important to note that disabling these features merely hides them from view; the AI remains integrated within Notepad and will only connect to Microsoft’s AI servers when activated.
