Microsoft Upgrades Notepad with AI and Markdown Features

Microsoft has rolled out a new set of features for its Notepad application, significantly enhancing its usability with lightweight formatting options and AI-assisted writing tools, according to a blog post by Windows Inbox Apps executive Dave Grochocki.

The latest version of Notepad now includes support for Markdown, a popular lightweight markup language. Users can apply formatting such as bold, italic, headings, lists, and hyperlinks using a newly introduced formatting toolbar. These changes are aimed at users who work with structured content or Markdown files.

According to Grochocki, formatting can be applied either while typing or to selected portions of text. Users can switch between formatted and raw Markdown syntax via the view menu or the status bar toggle. Additionally, the option to remove all formatting is available through the toolbar or the edit menu. For those who prefer a plain-text experience, formatting support can be fully turned off in the settings.

Alongside these formatting enhancements, Microsoft has integrated generative AI features into Notepad. The new “Write” function allows users to generate content based on custom prompts. Users can place the cursor at any point in the document or select existing text to guide the AI response. The tool is accessible via right-click, the Copilot menu, or using the Ctrl + Q shortcut.

After entering a prompt, the AI provides generated text directly within the document. Users can then choose to keep or discard the output. The feature also allows for follow-up prompts to further refine the content. Microsoft has highlighted that these AI capabilities are optional and can be disabled through app settings.