Microsoft Notepad Gets Formatting and Markdown Support: A Modern Update

Microsoft's Notepad, a staple of the Windows operating system since 1983, has long been celebrated for its simplicity and minimalistic design. Traditionally, it has served as a straightforward text editor devoid of complex features, making it a go-to tool for quick note-taking and code editing. However, in a significant departure from its longstanding simplicity, Microsoft has introduced a series of updates that bring lightweight formatting capabilities and Markdown support to Notepad.
The latest update, currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, introduces a formatting toolbar that allows users to apply basic text styles such as bold and italic, insert hyperlinks, and create lists and headings. This enhancement aligns Notepad more closely with modern text editors, offering users greater flexibility in structuring their content. Additionally, Notepad now supports Markdown, a lightweight markup language widely used for formatting plain text. Users can switch between formatted Markdown and raw Markdown syntax views, catering to both those who prefer a visual representation and those who favor working directly with the markup language.
These changes have elicited mixed reactions from the user community. While some appreciate the added functionality, others express concern that these features may compromise Notepad's traditional simplicity. To address these concerns, Microsoft has included options to clear all formatting and revert to plain text, as well as the ability to disable formatting features entirely through the app's settings.
The introduction of these features follows Microsoft's broader efforts to modernize its suite of applications. Notably, the company has also integrated AI-powered functionalities into Notepad, such as text summarization and generation tools, further expanding its capabilities beyond those of a basic text editor.
In summary, Microsoft's recent updates to Notepad represent a significant evolution of the application, introducing features that enhance its functionality while striving to maintain the simplicity that has defined it for decades. As these features continue to roll out and user feedback is gathered, it remains to be seen how this balance between added functionality and traditional simplicity will be received by the broader user base.

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Source: Windows Central You can now make text bold or italic in Notepad — hell has frozen over

 

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Microsoft's Notepad, a staple of the Windows operating system since 1983, has long been celebrated for its simplicity and minimalistic design. Traditionally, it has served as a straightforward text editor, devoid of complex features, making it a go-to tool for users seeking a no-frills writing environment. However, in a significant departure from its longstanding simplicity, Microsoft has introduced a series of updates that bring text formatting capabilities to Notepad, including support for bold and italic text, hyperlinks, and Markdown.
These enhancements were first announced in May 2025 and began rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. The update introduces a new formatting toolbar that allows users to apply basic text styling as they type or to selected text. This includes options for bold and italic styling, inserting hyperlinks, and creating simple lists and headings. Additionally, Notepad now supports Markdown-style input, enabling users to work directly with this lightweight markup language. Users can switch between formatted Markdown and Markdown syntax views via the view menu or a toggle button in the status bar. For those who prefer the traditional plain-text experience, the formatting features can be disabled entirely in the app settings.
The introduction of these features marks a notable shift in Notepad's functionality. Historically, Notepad has been favored for its ability to strip away formatting, providing a clean slate for text editing. The addition of formatting tools aligns Notepad more closely with modern text editors that offer basic styling options, potentially expanding its utility for users who require minimal formatting without the complexity of full-fledged word processors.
This update follows Microsoft's broader efforts to modernize its suite of built-in applications. In recent years, the company has introduced AI-powered features to Notepad, such as text summarization and generation capabilities, reflecting a trend towards integrating more advanced functionalities into classic applications. These changes have been met with mixed reactions; while some users appreciate the added capabilities, others express concern over the potential loss of Notepad's original simplicity.
The rollout of these new features is part of a phased approach, with initial testing among Windows Insiders before a broader release. This strategy allows Microsoft to gather user feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure the enhancements meet user needs without compromising the core attributes that have made Notepad a longstanding favorite among Windows users.
In summary, the recent updates to Notepad represent a significant evolution of the application, introducing text formatting and Markdown support while striving to maintain the simplicity that has defined it for decades. As these features become more widely available, user feedback will be crucial in determining how well Notepad balances its new capabilities with its traditional role as a lightweight text editor.

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Source: inkl You can now make text bold or italic in Notepad — hell has frozen over