Microsoft is breathing new life into Notepad, the beloved but long-static text editor, by introducing a wave of modern text formatting features. Available now to Windows 11 Insiders on the Canary and Dev Channels, the revamped Notepad now supports bold, italics, hyperlinks, and even Markdown a clear move to fill the void left by the recently deprecated WordPad.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft confirmed that the updated Notepad introduces “lightweight text formatting options,” enabling users to style content more effectively. The new features mark a significant departure from Notepad’s historically minimalist approach, turning it into a more capable tool for casual writing, note-taking, and even basic document editing.
Users can now highlight portions of text and apply formatting options like bold, italics, and underlining directly within the app. Additionally, the inclusion of hyperlink support and Markdown syntax makes it easier to structure content in a format that’s both web and code-friendly. This could be particularly useful for developers, writers, and students who rely on markdown-based workflows.
The update follows closely on the heels of Microsoft’s rollout of an AI-powered writing assistant for Notepad, further signaling the company’s renewed focus on turning the app into a versatile productivity tool. With WordPad officially retired, this upgrade positions Notepad as a lightweight, yet surprisingly powerful alternative.
Microsoft emphasizes that despite these changes, Notepad will remain easy to use and performance-efficient. The company is carefully balancing functionality with simplicity — keeping the app fast and lightweight while catering to modern user needs.
These changes are still in testing and currently limited to Windows 11 Insiders, but a broader rollout is expected in the near future. As Microsoft continues to modernize core Windows applications, Notepad’s evolution reflects a broader trend toward integrating productivity features into essential system tools.
For longtime users and new adopters alike, Notepad’s transformation is shaping it into more than just a basic text editor — it’s becoming a true all-purpose writing companion for Windows 11.
