Microsoft’s Notepad has long been the unsung hero of text editing, sitting quietly on the peripheries of Windows user experience. It’s simple, it's plain, and for many, it’s an old friend. However, with Windows 11’s rollout, Notepad has undergone a transformation that’s making users sit up and take notice. If you've been using Notepad in its previous iterations, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by its new capabilities. Let’s dive into the six ways Notepad has become better in Windows 11, ensuring it deserves a spot on your taskbar.
Embrace the newfound versatility of Notepad in Windows 11; it’s not just for the code-savvy anymore!
Source: XDA 6 ways Notepad has become better in Windows 11
1. Copilot Integration
Let’s start with the feature that may not have caught everyone's attention yet - Copilot. Currently available for Windows Insiders, the integration of Microsoft Copilot into Notepad introduces a “Rewrite” feature. At first glance, you might think, “Why bother?” But consider a scenario where you draft an email or a report and wish to present it differently. With Copilot, you can select specific phrases and request a rewrite tailored to your preferred tone or length. It's not just AI fluff; it's practical functionality that can help refine your thoughts into eloquent text—a handy assistant for anyone looking to finesse their writing.2. Dark Mode Delight
For those who thrive in dark mode, rejoice! One of the most requested features across applications is now embedded in Notepad. This modernized user interface does more than just look slick; it reduces eye strain when you're burning the midnight oil. The updated UI comes packed with transparency effects and improved menu organization that subtly enhances your writing experience. Comfort comes standard with dark mode, allowing for a more pleasant and visually soothing writing session.3. Native ARM Support
Windows on ARM has been a slow burn since its inception, but Notepad is now fully utilizing native ARM64 support. This means that devices, like the recently launched Snapdragon-powered laptops, can run Notepad efficiently, enhancing performance. Not only does this benefit new devices, but it revitalizes older models, such as the Surface Pro X, which struggled under previous iterations of the app. Finally, performance can match the sleek design of those ARM devices, making Notepad a viable option for more mobile computing needs.4. Built-in Spellcheck
Typos are a common hurdle on the road to clarity, and now Notepad has your back with its new spellcheck feature. This enhancement highlights misspelled words in real-time, allowing you to make corrections as you go. You can customize your experience by ignoring specific words or enabling spellcheck based on the type of document you're working on. From quick notes to more formal documents, the confidence boost from knowing that Notepad is helping you maintain polish can be invaluable—especially since Microsoft has retired WordPad.5. Enhanced Tab Support
Gone are the days of juggling multiple Notepad windows! With the introduction of tab support, everything is organized within a single window. This logical overhaul allows for seamless navigation between your projects. When you open a new file, it automatically opens in a new tab, streamlining your workflow and saving you from desktop clutter. It’s a simple yet transformative feature that fosters a more productive writing environment, and it’s a wonder why other applications like File Explorer haven’t adopted this straightforward idea.6. Auto Save Functionality
How many times have you lost work due to forgetting to hit ‘save’? With Windows 11, Notepad now features auto-save, redesigning the entire approach to ephemeral note-taking. Forgetting to save is a thing of the past; each time you reopen Notepad, your last session’s contents are restored as if you never left. This means you can jot down your thoughts on-the-fly, confident that Notepad has got your back. Of course, if you prefer the old way, you can toggle this feature off and start fresh every time.Conclusion: A Modern Classic
Microsoft has breathed new life into Notepad with these significant updates in Windows 11, positioning it as a more functional tool in the modern age. These enhancements—from Copilot assistance to dark mode, spellcheck, and auto-saving—make Notepad comparable, if not competitive, with more sophisticated text editors. So whether you’re drafting a quick note, editing a script, or penning a short story, give Notepad another shot. It might just surprise you with how much it can enhance your writing experience—even if you've overlooked it in the past.Embrace the newfound versatility of Notepad in Windows 11; it’s not just for the code-savvy anymore!
Source: XDA 6 ways Notepad has become better in Windows 11
