Microsoft is currently testing new AI-driven enhancements in Notepad and the Snipping Tool, aiming to improve usability and efficiency for Windows 11 users. Among these upgrades is a text summarization feature called “Summarize,” which is now being rolled out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. Users who have updated to Notepad version 11.2501.29.0 will be able to try this long-awaited feature. The tool allows selected text to be condensed instantly by right-clicking and choosing the Summarize option, accessing it via the Copilot menu, or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + M. Notepad generates a summarized version of the selected content, enabling users to refine the summary length to suit their needs. For those who prefer to keep their Notepad interface uncluttered, AI features can be easily disabled from the app’s settings.
To access this functionality, users must sign in with their Microsoft personal account, as the Summarize tool utilizes AI credits linked to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or Copilot Pro subscriptions. In addition to this AI-powered upgrade, Microsoft has also introduced a “Recent Files” option within Notepad, which can be accessed through the Edit menu. This allows users to quickly reopen recently closed documents. For those who wish to keep their activity private, the recent files list can be cleared or completely disabled from the settings.
Alongside these Notepad improvements, Microsoft is also refining the Snipping Tool with a new “Draw & Hold” feature, available in version 11.2502.18.0. This enhancement enables users to create precise shapes like lines, arrows, rectangles, and ovals using the built-in pen tool. These features are gradually rolling out to select Insiders, with Microsoft monitoring user feedback before making them widely available.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate AI functionalities into Windows 11’s Notepad application. Previously, in November, Microsoft introduced a generative AI-powered text rewriting feature called “Rewrite” in Notepad version 11.2410.15.0. Formerly known as CoWriter, this tool helps users modify their text by rephrasing sentences, altering tone, and adjusting content length. Additionally, Microsoft has been continuously refining Notepad by introducing useful enhancements such as a built-in character counter in December 2023 and a spell check and autocorrect feature, which was made available to all Windows 11 users in July 2024.
