Microsoft is rolling out an AI-powered text summarization feature for Notepad in Windows 11, now available to Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels with Notepad version 11.2501.29.0. The new “Summarize” tool allows users to condense selected text quickly.
Users can activate it by right-clicking, selecting it from the Copilot menu, or using the Ctrl + M shortcut. The feature offers adjustable summary lengths, providing flexibility in refining the output. Those who prefer not to use AI features can disable them from the Notepad settings.
To access Summarize, users must sign in with a Microsoft personal account, as the tool utilizes AI credits linked to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Copilot Pro subscriptions.
In addition to this AI enhancement, Microsoft is testing a “Recent Files” option in Notepad, accessible from the Edit menu. This feature allows users to reopen recently closed documents easily, with the ability to clear or disable the history at any time.
Alongside the Notepad update, Microsoft has introduced a “Draw & Hold” feature in Snipping Tool version 11.2502.18.0. This addition enables users to draw precise shapes, such as lines, arrows, rectangles, and ovals, using the built-in pen tool.
These updates are part of Microsoft’s broader AI integration efforts in Windows 11 applications. In November, the company introduced “Rewrite” in Notepad version 11.2410.15.0, an AI-driven tool that helps rephrase, adjust tone, and modify text length.
Other recent Notepad improvements include a built-in character counter added in December 2023 and spell check with autocorrect introduced in July 2024.
Since these features are gradually rolling out, they may not be available to all Windows Insiders immediately. Microsoft plans to monitor user feedback before making them widely accessible.
