Windows 11 test update brings AI writing tools to Notepad

Microsoft‘s latest Windows 11 test update introduces AI-powered text generation in Notepad, joining a growing suite of artificial intelligence features across the operating system. The new capabilities, currently being tested with Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs, represent a significant expansion of Microsoft’s AI strategy within its native applications, potentially changing how users interact with traditionally simple tools like Notepad and Paint.

The big picture: Microsoft is integrating AI-powered writing assistance directly into Notepad, allowing users to generate text based on prompts or build upon existing content.

• The new “Write” feature can be accessed by right-clicking in a document or selecting existing text as context before choosing the option from Windows’ Copilot menu.
• Users can accept the generated text, discard it, or refine it through follow-up prompts, providing flexibility in how the AI assistance is utilized.

Historical context: The Write feature joins two other AI tools Microsoft has been testing in Notepad since last year.

• “Summarize,” introduced in March, can generate summaries of document text.
• “Rewrite,” which began testing in November, can adjust text tone, length, and phrasing.

Beyond text tools: Microsoft is simultaneously expanding AI capabilities in Paint and the Snipping Tool with new intelligent features.

• Paint receives a new AI-powered Sticker generator that creates custom stickers based on text descriptions.
• An Object select tool uses AI to intelligently isolate and select specific elements in images.
• The Snipping Tool gains a “Perfect screenshot” button that automatically resizes selections based on content, plus a Color picker that displays HEX, RGB, or HSL values.

Financial implications: Microsoft’s AI features operate through a credits system tied to user accounts, though pricing remains undefined.

• Users must be signed into their Microsoft accounts to access Notepad’s new Write feature.
• Microsoft hasn’t announced what these credits will cost if it eventually starts charging for them.

Why this matters: This update reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy of embedding AI functionality across its entire ecosystem, transforming even basic utilities into potential productivity enhancers.

• By adding generative capabilities to simple, widely-used tools like Notepad, Microsoft is normalizing AI assistance in everyday computing tasks.
• The credits-based system suggests Microsoft is preparing a monetization strategy for these AI features beyond the initial hardware requirements of Copilot Plus PCs.