4 days ago
Microsoft Brings Notepad Closer to Word With New Features
Microsoft has started rolling out an update to Notepad for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. The updated version 11.2504.50.0 brings lightweight formatting options to the classic text editor.
With this update, Notepad now supports Markdown-style input and files, meaning that if you prefer to work directly with this markup language, you can do so more easily. The new formatting toolbar lets you apply text styling such as bold and italics, add hyperlinks, and create simple lists and headings.
All this means that Notepad is now more effective for organizing notes or documents with basic formatting without needing to switch to a full word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, now that WordPad is gone.
You can switch between a formatted Markdown view and a plain Markdown syntax view from the View menu or by using a toggle button in the status bar. If you want to return to plain text at any time, you can clear all formatting using the toolbar or the Edit menu. And for those who prefer the original Notepad experience, there is an option in the app settings to disable formatting entirely.
Microsoft has asked users to share their thoughts and suggestions through the Feedback Hub under Apps > Notepad.
