Microsoft Notepad Introduces AI Summaries and Enhanced Features for Windows Insiders

Microsoft Enhances Notepad with AI-Powered Summaries and New Features

Microsoft is rolling out a new AI-powered summary feature for Notepad, available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. This latest update allows users to generate concise summaries of highlighted text with just a few clicks.

To access the new functionality, users can simply highlight the desired text, right-click, and select the “Summarize” option. Alternatively, the feature can be activated using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + M or through the Copilot menu. However, users must be signed into a Microsoft account to utilize this AI-driven tool.

For those who prefer a more traditional Notepad experience, Microsoft has included an option to disable AI features via the app settings menu.

This update follows Microsoft’s previous testing of an AI-powered Rewrite tool in Notepad, showcasing the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its suite of productivity applications.

In addition to the AI summary feature, Microsoft is also testing a new option that allows users to view recently closed files in Notepad, further enhancing the app’s usability.

Snipping Tool Gets a Boost

Alongside the Notepad updates, Microsoft is introducing enhancements to its Snipping Tool. A new “draw & hold” feature enables users to create perfectly straight lines, arrows, rectangles, or ovals by holding the cursor in place for a moment. After straightening, users can resize, move, or adjust these shapes as needed.

This addition to the Snipping Tool bears similarities to features offered by Apple, indicating Microsoft’s commitment to providing competitive screenshot and annotation capabilities to Windows users.

These updates reflect Microsoft’s continued focus on improving and modernizing its core Windows applications, leveraging AI technology to enhance user productivity and experience.