If you believed that Windows’ straightforward text editor, Notepad, would remain a sanctuary from Microsoft’s relentless monetization strategies, it’s time to reconsider. A few months ago, the tech giant introduced AI features to Notepad, and now users are being nudged towards a Microsoft 365 subscription to access functionalities like Rewrite.
Notepad’s Evolution
For over forty years, Notepad has stood as a dependable, no-frills text editor, perfect for quick notes without the burden of corporate upselling. However, as Microsoft expanded its AI offerings across Windows, it was only a matter of time before Notepad joined the ranks. Initially, the introduction of AI features seemed promising, enhancing the application’s utility. Yet, the subsequent prompts urging users to subscribe to one of Microsoft 365’s AI plans have sparked confusion and concern over the extent of free usage available.
To clarify, the fundamental functions of Notepad remain free, allowing users to type without interruption. However, once you venture into the realm of AI-powered features, a subscription becomes necessary. This shift raises questions about the accessibility of such tools, especially given the recent increase in Microsoft 365 pricing.
Understanding the AI Features
While Microsoft has been transparent about the need for a subscription to access Rewrite, the manner in which the company has rolled out these features feels somewhat peculiar. Some users argue that the subscription prompts aren’t advertisements, but it’s hard to see them as anything else when they disrupt the user experience with requests to subscribe.
Notepad now mirrors the approach Microsoft has taken with other parts of its operating system, such as the Start menu and File Explorer, where ads and AI features have become commonplace. Fortunately, Notepad continues to function without a Microsoft account, so users can still enjoy its basic capabilities without concern—unless they wish to utilize Rewrite, which is gated behind “AI credits.” This term essentially translates to “subscribe to Microsoft 365.” Initially, Microsoft offered users 50 credits to experiment with Rewrite upon its launch, but reports suggest that these credits have since “expired,” even for those who didn’t use them.
Microsoft positions Rewrite and its other AI features as “bonus features” rather than essential components of its applications, a stance that is arguably reasonable. However, the confusion stemming from the subscription prompts in Notepad raises questions about user experience, particularly in light of the recent price increase for Microsoft 365.
