Windows has evolved dramatically since its inception some four decades ago, with each new version unveiling innovations that redefine the user experience on the world’s most widely-used operating system. Even in 2025, Microsoft continues to strike a delicate balance: pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with groundbreaking AI features, while also giving beloved legacy applications the attention they deserve. Among these, Notepad stands out as a true classic—an unpretentious text editor etched into the memory of countless Windows users. It’s the kind of program whose simplicity has been both its greatest strength and, arguably, its most glaring limitation. That’s why the announcement of long-overdue, robust formatting capabilities in Notepad—finally arriving in Windows 11—has drawn keen interest from both nostalgic purists and forward-looking technophiles.
Notepad traces its roots back to a time before the graphical interface of Windows itself. Since 1983, the utility has provided basic text-editing functionality. For many users, Notepad’s appeal lay in its stripped-down interface: just you and the text, free from the distractions or complications of formatting. This simplicity served as both a sanctuary for plain-text enthusiasts and a lightweight solution for developers writing code, scripting configuration files, or jotting down fleeting notes.
Through countless iterations of Windows, Notepad’s inertia became almost legendary—little altered in style or substance, even as the wider OS undertook radical transformations. Hardware accelerated, displays grew sharper, and interfaces became smoother, but Notepad remained a constant: no frills, no flair, and absolutely no formatting.
Against this backdrop of innovation, legacy programs like Notepad and Paint have received design overhauls and experimental features after years of being virtually untouched. In 2021, both applications were modernized with cleaner visuals, dark mode support, and greater accessibility. Perhaps most remarkably, Notepad recently gained generative AI capabilities—which now let users compose new content with the help of Microsoft’s underlying AI infrastructure.
With WordPad officially retired in 2023, Notepad’s upgrade takes on even more significance. By bridging the gap between pure plain-text and full-fledged word processing, Notepad could become the default for millions asking for “just a little” formatting without the bloat.
Windows is also updating other staple programs: Paint is getting AI sticker generation, the Snipping Tool now identifies objects and color values automatically, and even the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) is morphing into a less alarming Green Screen of Death (GSoD) for Insiders—albeit with less granular troubleshooting information by default.
On the positive side, these improvements transform Notepad into a more useful tool for a wide cross-section of users without mandating any workflow changes. The presence of a formatting toolbar isn’t a requirement, but a choice. For those who depend on pure plain-text, the old behaviors persist.
However, this strategy does carry risks. Microsoft must strictly enforce the optional nature of these features, maintain best-in-class performance, and provide clear communication around file formats and compatibility. The initial Insider feedback points to cautious optimism, but any missteps—confusing file saves, sluggish launches, inexplicable crashes—will erode trust among users who have relied on Notepad’s reliability for a generation.
The integration of AI, meanwhile, is a broader Windows 11 trend that both excites and troubles industry observers. New avenues for productivity emerge, but privacy and security must be protected with transparent, robust policies.
For everyday users, Notepad is no longer just a digital scratchpad. It is morphing into a lightweight, versatile tool capable of both simple and slightly more structured tasks. For enterprises and legacy users, it remains a familiar anchor amid a sea of change, its core promises largely intact.
As Windows 11 continues to roll out innovations—some headline-grabbing, others quietly significant—the message is clear: even the oldest programs can surprise us yet, so long as their stewards respect both the wisdom of restraint and the necessity of progress. Notepad, now nearly ageless, looks set to serve both the nostalgic and the ambitious for many years to come.
Source: Laptop Mag This classic Windows program is finally getting features you’d expect in 2025
Notepad traces its roots back to a time before the graphical interface of Windows itself. Since 1983, the utility has provided basic text-editing functionality. For many users, Notepad’s appeal lay in its stripped-down interface: just you and the text, free from the distractions or complications of formatting. This simplicity served as both a sanctuary for plain-text enthusiasts and a lightweight solution for developers writing code, scripting configuration files, or jotting down fleeting notes.Through countless iterations of Windows, Notepad’s inertia became almost legendary—little altered in style or substance, even as the wider OS undertook radical transformations. Hardware accelerated, displays grew sharper, and interfaces became smoother, but Notepad remained a constant: no frills, no flair, and absolutely no formatting.
Windows 11: Breathing New Life into Old Favorites
With Windows 11’s arrival, Microsoft has embarked on a wider effort to rejuvenate its classic utilities. The OS itself is at the forefront of innovation, particularly on Copilot+ PCs that integrate advanced AI technologies to rethink everyday PC tasks. Features like Recall, which enables users to search a photographic timeline of their computer activity, highlight how artificial intelligence is being woven into the very fabric of Windows.Against this backdrop of innovation, legacy programs like Notepad and Paint have received design overhauls and experimental features after years of being virtually untouched. In 2021, both applications were modernized with cleaner visuals, dark mode support, and greater accessibility. Perhaps most remarkably, Notepad recently gained generative AI capabilities—which now let users compose new content with the help of Microsoft’s underlying AI infrastructure.
Notepad’s Big Leap: Formatting in 2025
The latest change, now rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, is the introduction of a formatting toolbar in Notepad. This upgrade—confirmed through Microsoft’s own blog posts and enthusiast reporting—enables options that users might take for granted in 2025: bold and italic text, hyperlinks, headings, and bulleted lists. These options provide a hybrid experience: users can still enjoy Notepad’s minimalism, while also presenting information in a clearer, more distinctive way.Features at a Glance
- Formatting Toolbar — Directly accessible above the editing window, this toolbar introduces buttons for bold, italics, underlining, creating links, headings, and bullet-point lists.
- Hyperlink Support — Users can embed URLs, transforming plain text notes into interactive documents useful for researchers, writers, and professionals.
- Headings and Lists — Structure is now possible, letting users organize notes, project outlines, or coding ideas with clarity.
- Flexible User Experience — Crucially, Microsoft has committed to ensuring these new features are strictly optional. Users seeking the classic, no-formatting experience can easily ignore or hide the toolbar, allowing Notepad’s original use case to live on.
Notepad Versus the Competition
For decades, users seeking more formatting features have turned to Microsoft Word, Write (and later WordPad), or third-party text editors like Notepad++, Sublime Text, and Atom. The new Notepad moves closer to the “sweet spot” its competitors have enjoyed: lightweight, yet not barren.With WordPad officially retired in 2023, Notepad’s upgrade takes on even more significance. By bridging the gap between pure plain-text and full-fledged word processing, Notepad could become the default for millions asking for “just a little” formatting without the bloat.
Strengths: Why These Changes Matter
Embracing Modern Productivity
The digital landscape in 2025 is undeniably collaborative and context-driven. The ability to highlight, structure, and link information—even in the simplest app—can boost productivity significantly. For everyday tasks like quick meeting minutes, personal lists, and code explanations, formatting is more than just eye candy; it’s a functional necessity.Accessibility and Inclusivity
Adding support for headings and lists markedly improves the accessibility of content generated in Notepad. Screen readers and other accessibility tools rely on semantic structure for optimal performance. As a result, users with visual or cognitive impairments may find the enhanced Notepad a far more usable entry point.Seamless Integration
Because Notepad remains bundled with Windows, its new capabilities promise to streamline workflows for millions. There’s no need to install—and trust—third-party software just to bold a word or paste a clickable link.AI-Driven Expansion
With generative AI now part of Notepad’s palette, the future could see formatting and content generation intertwine. The ability to auto-format notes, extract key points, suggest titles or links, or even summarize content becomes feasible—positioning Windows 11’s Notepad as an app that keeps up with the times while staying true to its roots.Risks and Potential Drawbacks
Purity Versus Functionality
Notepad’s long-standing user base has cherished its minimalism. Every added feature brings a risk: complexity, performance impact, and—perhaps most importantly—a dilution of Notepad’s identity. The pushback from purists is real and not unwarranted; a text editor should never impede those who want nothing more than basic editing and lightning-fast startup.Compatibility Issues
Introducing formatting means file compatibility questions. Traditionally, Notepad has worked exclusively with plain text (.txt) files. Will these new formatting features save as Markdown, HTML, or in a proprietary format? Will users unwittingly create files unreadable in other apps, breaking a decades-long expectation of interoperability? As of now, Microsoft’s documentation suggests that classic .txt remains the default, but multi-format support is likely. Users may need to stay vigilant about what format their files are actually in.Security and Privacy Concerns
The inclusion of hyperlinks and AI-generated content raises legitimate questions about privacy and malware risks. Embedding URLs—or letting the app prompt them automatically—could lead users to phishing sites. Moreover, as with any AI integrations, there is the challenge of keeping user data safe from unwanted cloud processing or unintentional sharing.The Larger Windows 11 Context: AI, Recall, and More
Notepad’s evolution fits into a broader Windows 11 strategy, particularly on Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft is leveraging AI to enhance and sometimes fundamentally alter user interactions. The Recall feature—taking continuous snapshots of your activity to create a searchable timeline—has already garnered both intrigue and controversy. On the one hand, Recall could supercharge productivity by letting users instantly find a web page, document, or conversation from days or weeks prior. On the other, it raises surveillance-era privacy concerns, as sensitive information could, in theory, be mined by malicious actors or inadvertently uploaded.Windows is also updating other staple programs: Paint is getting AI sticker generation, the Snipping Tool now identifies objects and color values automatically, and even the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) is morphing into a less alarming Green Screen of Death (GSoD) for Insiders—albeit with less granular troubleshooting information by default.
The Future of Classic Apps: A Model for Incremental Innovation
Windows’ dual strategy—introducing cutting-edge features to the OS while modernizing traditional utilities—offers key lessons for the tech industry at large. Rather than sweeping replacements or abrupt retirements, incremental upgrades can breathe new life into familiar workflows. By listening to user feedback and rolling out changes slowly through Insider channels, Microsoft seems to be embracing a fail-slow, iterate-fast methodology.What Remains Unclear
Despite increased transparency in Microsoft’s rollout process, some details remain vague as of the latest Insider builds:- Export and File Support: What will happen when a user attempts to save a formatted file as .txt? Will formatting be lost, or will users risk accidentally saving in a new format?
- Backwards Compatibility: Will legacy versions of Windows or conservative deployments in enterprise settings support the new Notepad files?
- Impact on Third-Party Ecosystem: Applications like Notepad++ thrive on features that go far beyond formatting. Will Notepad’s improvements meaningfully erode their user base, or simply entice those who previously avoided switching between apps?
Critical Analysis: A Delicate Balancing Act
Microsoft’s approach with the new Notepad and other revised apps is emblematic of a company keen to move forward without alienating its massive existing user base. By introducing optional features and relying on feedback from the Windows Insider community, Microsoft ensures that both tradition and innovation inform its development process.On the positive side, these improvements transform Notepad into a more useful tool for a wide cross-section of users without mandating any workflow changes. The presence of a formatting toolbar isn’t a requirement, but a choice. For those who depend on pure plain-text, the old behaviors persist.
However, this strategy does carry risks. Microsoft must strictly enforce the optional nature of these features, maintain best-in-class performance, and provide clear communication around file formats and compatibility. The initial Insider feedback points to cautious optimism, but any missteps—confusing file saves, sluggish launches, inexplicable crashes—will erode trust among users who have relied on Notepad’s reliability for a generation.
The integration of AI, meanwhile, is a broader Windows 11 trend that both excites and troubles industry observers. New avenues for productivity emerge, but privacy and security must be protected with transparent, robust policies.
Conclusion: Notepad’s Reinvention and the Road Ahead
The story of Notepad’s latest evolution is, in many ways, the story of Windows itself: an operating system that’s constantly finding new relevance by reimagining the familiar. By adding the formatting features users have come to expect in 2025—but doing so in a way that is careful, incremental, and responsive to feedback—Microsoft shows a willingness to honor the past while embracing the new.For everyday users, Notepad is no longer just a digital scratchpad. It is morphing into a lightweight, versatile tool capable of both simple and slightly more structured tasks. For enterprises and legacy users, it remains a familiar anchor amid a sea of change, its core promises largely intact.
As Windows 11 continues to roll out innovations—some headline-grabbing, others quietly significant—the message is clear: even the oldest programs can surprise us yet, so long as their stewards respect both the wisdom of restraint and the necessity of progress. Notepad, now nearly ageless, looks set to serve both the nostalgic and the ambitious for many years to come.
Source: Laptop Mag This classic Windows program is finally getting features you’d expect in 2025