Microsoft upgraded Notepad with AI

Microsoft added the artificial intelligence-based text editing feature Rewrite to the simple text editor Notepad, which appeared in Windows back in 1983. The feature is available in a preview version of the Windows 11 operating system, which is currently being tested as part of the Windows Insider program.

Image source: Microsoft

The Rewrite feature is described on the official Windows Insider blog as saying that it uses artificial intelligence to “paraphrase sentences, adjust tone, and change the length of content.”

Windows Insiders with early access to new OS features can try Rewrite now. To do this, you need to select a section of text in Notepad that you want to change, then right-click on the selected fragment and select Rewrite. The application will display a dialog box where you can choose how to change the text. For example, make it shorter or longer. Rewrite will then offer three edited versions of the specified piece of text that you can use to replace the original piece.

It’s worth noting that you must be signed in to your Microsoft account to use Rewrite, as the feature is cloud-based and requires authentication and authorization. The feature is available in preview of the new build of Windows 11 to Windows Insiders in the US, France, UK, Canada, Italy and Germany. Earlier in July, Microsoft updated Notepad to include spell check and autocorrect functionality.

Along with Rewrite, Microsoft has begun testing new AI-powered editing tools in the graphics application Paint. They are also available through the Windows Insider program. The new Generative Fill feature allows you to make additions to an image based on text queries, while Generative Erase can remove part of the image and blend it with the remaining empty space. Generative Fill will initially be available to PC testers in the Copilot Plus ecosystem. In turn, Generative Erase will be available to all members of the Windows Insider program for Windows 11.