Microsoft Notepad Adds Generative AI Writing Feature

A Classic App Reinvented

Microsoft Notepad, a staple of Windows since the early days, is evolving with the times. In a bold move, Microsoft is introducing AI-powered writing tools that promise to make Notepad far more than just a basic text editor. 

This update transforms the classic utility into a modern productivity asset, capable of assisting with rewriting, summarizing, and polishing your writing from your desktop.

Introducing the “Rewrite” Feature

One of the headline features is called “Rewrite.” This tool leverages generative AI to provide users with new versions of selected text. Whether you’re drafting an email, a note, or a creative story, the feature suggests alternative phrasings that improve clarity, tone, or structure. 

It’s beneficial for anyone who writes frequently and wants a quick, smart way to refine content directly in Notepad.

Powered by GPT Technology

The AI behind this innovation is powered by GPT, technology developed by OpenAI and embedded in Microsoft’s Copilot platform. With this integration, Notepad now includes advanced language understanding and generation capabilities. 

Users can instantly generate text alternatives that feel natural, clear, and professionally written, all without needing to leave their document or switch to a different writing tool or application.

Easy Access with a Shortcut

Using the Rewrite feature is intentionally simple. Users just highlight any text, right-click to choose the “Rewrite” option, or tap the Ctrl + I keyboard shortcut. 

The AI will then generate three rewritten versions of your text. You can quickly preview each suggestion and insert your favorite into the document, saving time and reducing editing fatigue in a single step.

Microsoft Account Required

Users must sign in with their Microsoft account to use Notepad’s AI tools. This requirement ensures that AI features are personalized and securely processed via Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure. 

It also enables tracking your AI credit usage (see below). It ensures the Rewrite tool functions smoothly by connecting to Microsoft’s robust GPT-powered cloud systems for real-time suggestions.

Understanding AI Credits

Using Rewrite in Notepad draws from a monthly allowance of AI credits. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family users receive 60 credits per month, which reset monthly and don’t roll over. 

Each AI action uses one credit, like rewriting a sentence. On the other hand, Copilot Pro subscribers gain expanded or unlimited access, making it an ideal choice for frequent users or content creators.

Track Your AI Usage

Monitoring your AI credit balance is easy. Just click your profile icon in the Notepad app to see how many credits remain for the current month. 

This tracker allows users to plan their usage and avoid running out of credits unexpectedly. Whether you’re using AI occasionally or daily, this visibility ensures you can maximize the tool’s value without disruption.

Regional Rollout Begins

In May 2025, Microsoft made the ‘Rewrite’ feature available to all Windows 11 users globally.

Users outside these areas might still be able to access the tool if they hold an eligible Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription. Microsoft plans a phased rollout to ensure a stable experience across devices and geographies.

Another New Tool

In addition to rewriting, Microsoft is also rolling out a “Summarize” feature within Notepad. This tool helps condense large bodies of text into concise summaries. It’s ideal for summarizing meeting notes, research, or lengthy articles. 

You can even select how detailed the summary should be: short, medium, or long, depending on your needs and how much context you want to preserve.

Insert Summaries with One Click

Once Notepad’s AI generates a summary, you can instantly insert it into your document with a single click. This integration makes editing seamless, helping users stay productive without constantly switching between tools or apps. 

Whether you’re a student taking notes or a professional writing reports, this summary tool can simplify your workflow and help capture the core ideas more efficiently.

Designed for Everyday Users

With these AI updates, Microsoft aims to support writers of all experience levels. Whether you’re a casual user drafting a grocery list or a blogger crafting a polished post, Notepad’s AI features are designed to be simple, accessible, and helpful. 

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use them, just highlight, click, and let AI handle the rest.

A Push Toward Smarter Apps

This Notepad update is part of Microsoft’s mission to bring AI into everyday apps. From Paint to Snipping Tool and now Notepad, Microsoft is embedding Copilot into familiar tools to boost productivity and creativity. 

These upgrades transform basic apps into intelligent digital assistants that help users think, create, and work more efficiently than ever before.

Feedback Fuels Future Updates

Since these AI features are still in preview, Microsoft relies on early users to provide feedback. Insights from the Windows Insider community help the company identify bugs, improve AI suggestions, and tailor the experience. 

If you’re part of the preview group, you can directly influence how these tools evolve and make them even more helpful for future users.

Curious how other big names are making bold moves in tech? Check out what happened when Microsoft stopped flagging Adobe as spam.

The Future of Notepad

From its humble beginnings as a plain-text editor, Notepad is now evolving into a powerful content assistant. With GPT-powered tools like Rewrite and Summarize, Microsoft sees potential in blending simplicity with intelligence. 

As more updates roll out, Notepad could become a go-to app for fast, AI-enhanced writing, bridging the gap between casual note-taking and professional content creation.

Want to see how AI is evolving beyond the hype? Take a look at how Microsoft may start crediting AI data contributors.

Think notepad was just the beginning? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to hit like if this story got you thinking.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.