Microsoft integrates Notepad with Copilot on Windows 11

The classic Notepad app is getting an AI upgrade.

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What you need to know

The Notepad app on Windows 11 is getting an AI upgrade with a new “Explain with Copilot” feature that will break down and analyze text highlighted by the user. Microsoft is making availablean early preview buildof the new Notepad app today for testers in the Windows Insider Canary and Dev Channels.

The new Explain with Notepad feature can be accessed by right-clicking on highlighted text within the app. Selecting it will copy the text selected and automatically paste it into the Copilot for Windows sidebar, where it will search the internet for answers.

This is the first example of Microsoft building Windows Copilot integration into the in-box apps found in Windows. Thanks to a leak, we already know that Microsoft is also working on bringing its AI-powered Cowriter to Notepad, which will be able to write entire text documents based on a users specific criteria. Cowriter in Notepad will even be able to adjust tone, length, and format.

Microsoft is yet to announce Cowriter in Notepad, but today’s announcement of Explain with Copilot in Notepad is likely the first of many AI-centric features the text editor will be getting over the next year.

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Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch onTwitterandThreads