Microsoft adds free AI tools to Notepad, turning the classic Windows app into a smart writing assistant. Notepad has always been one of Windows’ simplest apps. For decades, it’s where people quickly jotted down notes, saved short snippets of text, or opened plain text files. Now, Microsoft is giving it a major upgrade: free built-in AI tools.
This is part of a larger Windows 11 update that also brings changes to Paint and the Snipping Tool, but Notepad’s new features are special because they are useful to almost everyone.
Table of Contents
What You Can Do with AI in Notepad
The new version of Notepad includes three smart tools powered by AI:
- Write
Type in a short prompt (like “make a packing list for a beach trip”), and Notepad will generate text for you. - Summarize
If you paste in a long article or document, Notepad can shrink it down to a quick summary—short, medium, or long—depending on what you want. - Rewrite
Take something you’ve already written and let Notepad rephrase it. You can make it shorter, longer, or adjust the tone to sound more formal or casual.
These tools show up right inside the Notepad window, so you don’t need to switch apps or copy text to another program.
The Best Part: It is Free
Usually, Microsoft’s AI tools are tied to paid subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro. But this time, Notepad’s AI features are free—as long as you are on the right kind of PC.
The catch is that these tools only work on what Microsoft calls “Copilot+ PCs.” These are newer Windows 11 computers designed with special hardware to run AI features quickly. If you are on one of these devices, you will get the free AI features. If not, you may not see them.
Why Microsoft Adds Free AI Tools to Notepad Matter
This update is very important for a few reasons:
- AI for Everyone: Notepad is the most basic app on Windows, and almost every user knows it. Adding AI to it means it is no longer just for advanced apps or paid services.
- Fast and Private: Since AI can run directly on your computer, there is no need to send your text online. This means results are faster and your notes stay private.
- Everyday Usefulness: Whether rewriting a difficult email draft, summarizing meeting notes, or brainstorming ideas, these tools are useful in everyday life, not just for work.
How to Try It
If your PC supports the new Notepad features, you can start using them like this:
Update Notepad
- Open the Microsoft Store on your windows→ search Notepad → click Update.
Open Notepad
- Click Start → search Notepad → open it.
Look for the AI Tools
- Select or paste some text inside Notepad.
- Right-click the text, or look at the top menu bar. You should see options like Summarize, Rewrite, or Write.
Choose a Tool
- Click on the tool you want.
- For example, if you click Summarize, a sidebar will appear with your summary.
- If you click Rewrite, you’ll see alternative versions of your text.
Adjust or Copy
- Pick the version you like and copy it into your note.
- You can try again if you want a different result.
👉 Tip: If you don’t see these options yet, your PC may not be a Copilot+ model, or the update has not rolled out to your device.
Other Microsoft adds free tool for Windows
Along with Notepad, Microsoft is also upgrading some other classic apps:
- Paint now supports editable projects and new sliders to control opacity.
- The Snipping Tool is adding “Quick Markup,” making it easier to highlight or write on screenshots without any extra steps.
Things to Know Before You Try Free AI Tools in Notepad on Windows 11
- Device limits: Only newer “Copilot+ PCs” get the free AI tools in Notepad. If your computer is older, you may not see them.
- Language support: Right now, the tools only work in English. Other languages are expected later.
- Still in preview: These updates are rolling out first to Windows Insiders (testers), so you might need to wait a bit before they reach all users.
Read Also- Google’s New AI tool Opal for App Development Without Coding
Final Thoughts about Microsoft Adds Free Tool That Makes Notepad Smarter
Microsoft is transforming Notepad from a plain text pad into a smart writing assistant. With Write, Summarize, and Rewrite, you can get help drafting, condensing, or polishing your words—without needing a subscription.
If you have ever thought of Notepad as “too simple,” this update might change your mind. For Windows users with newer PCs, it is a free, built-in taste of AI—right where you least expect it.
Read Also: Google Brings Ads to AI Overviews with New AI Tools for Businesses
Read Also: Top 10 Free AI Tools for Small Businesses Should be know in 2025
FAQs
Q. How to use the new AI tools in Microsoft Notepad?
Ans. Updating Notepad on Windows 11 gives you the “Write,” “Summarize,” and “Rewrite” options. You can access them by selecting text, right-clicking, or from the menu bar.
Q. Are Microsoft’s free AI tools in Notepad available on all PCs?
Ans. No, these tools are currently only available for free on devices that are Copilot+ PCs. These are newer generation Windows 11 laptops and desktops that have dedicated hardware (NPU) for AI.
If you have an older PC, you may not receive these updates. Microsoft may expand support to more models in the future.
Q. Does Microsoft Add Free AI Tools to Notepad require a subscription?
Ans. The biggest benefit of this feature is that you don’t need a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription. If you have a Copilot+ PC, you can use Notepad’s AI tools for free. For those who want advanced AI tools (like those for larger documents or cloud-based features), subscription options will still be available.
Q. Do the free AI tools in Notepad on Windows 11 work in languages other than English?
Ans. Currently, these tools are designed only for the English language. Meaning, if you write in Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, or any other language, the AI tools will not work as effectively. But Microsoft has stated that more languages will be added to support with future updates. This means that in the future, this feature will become more accessible to global users.
Q. What is the difference between Microsoft Notepad’s AI tools and Microsoft Word’s AI tools?
Ans. Notepad’s AI tools: These are perfect for simple and quick tasks—like summarizing notes, rewriting short emails, or generating ideas. They can be used for free if you have a Copilot+ PC.
Microsoft Word’s AI tools: Word has more advanced AI features, such as research suggestions, professional formatting, and handling long documents. But you need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use them.
Thus, Notepad’s AI tools are best for basic writing assistance, while Word’s AI tools are useful for professional and detailed writing.