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Microsoft has rolled out a new AI-powered feature in Notepad, called “Rewrite,” which leverages the power of ChatGPT to help users improve their writing. Previously available only to Windows Insiders, this feature is now accessible to a broader audience, with a catch—users will need a Microsoft 365 subscription to fully unlock it. Let’s explore how this feature works, its limitations, and what it means for Notepad users.
Notepad’s New Rewrite Feature: What You Need to Know
Microsoft has introduced an exciting update to Notepad, making it smarter with the integration of an AI-powered “Rewrite” tool. Previously, this feature was exclusive to Windows Insiders, but it’s now available to all users, provided they have the appropriate Microsoft 365 subscription.
This new tool uses ChatGPT technology to help rewrite sentences, adjust the tone of your writing, and modify text length. Whether you need to make your text more formal, casual, or humorous, the AI in Notepad has you covered. You can even switch between different formats, like paragraphs, lists, or academic structures.
However, the tool isn’t entirely free. Users outside the U.S., U.K., and Canada can access limited credits for rewriting, but they’ll eventually need a paid Microsoft 365 subscription for continued access. Microsoft has designed the feature to cater to general Notepad users, but it’s nowhere near as advanced as Copilot in Word, which offers more specialized tools like summarization and document structuring.
Here’s a closer look at how it works:
- The Rewrite feature generates three alternative versions of your selected text.
- It allows you to change the tone (formal, casual, etc.) and adjust the length of the text.
- Users can also choose between different writing formats, like business, academic, or marketing styles.
What Undercode Says: An Analysis of Microsoft’s New Rewrite Feature in Notepad
Microsoft’s integration of AI into Notepad marks a significant shift in how users interact with basic text editing tools. Historically, Notepad has been a straightforward, no-frills application for writing quick notes or editing simple text files. Its minimalist design, paired with a lack of features, made it ideal for users who wanted a distraction-free writing environment.
Now, with the AI-powered Rewrite feature, Microsoft is trying to balance its traditional simplicity with the demand for more advanced capabilities. The use of ChatGPT, or a derivative model, adds a layer of intelligence to Notepad that many may find helpful for improving drafts, generating alternative phrasings, or adapting the tone of their work. However, there’s a crucial distinction between Notepad’s new feature and more advanced AI tools like Microsoft Copilot in Word. While the latter offers complex document structuring and summarization tools, Notepad’s Rewrite is focused purely on text rewording and basic editing.
The decision to introduce this feature to all users outside the U.S., U.K., and Canada—but limit access to paid subscribers—raises several interesting questions. For one, Microsoft is clearly trying to push its subscription-based ecosystem, encouraging users to upgrade to Microsoft 365 for more comprehensive access to AI-powered tools. This model reflects a growing trend in software monetization, where free access is limited in exchange for premium features.
The feature’s reliance on credits for free users could be a double-edged sword. While it may make AI more accessible to casual users in other regions, the low credit limit could discourage those who only need occasional assistance. Users will quickly exhaust their credits and might be reluctant to pay for additional use.
Another important aspect is the flexibility in tone and format, which makes Notepad’s Rewrite feature stand out. Users can experiment with different tones, from casual to formal, and choose from a variety of content formats, such as academic or marketing styles. This could be particularly useful for students, professionals, or marketers who want to quickly refine their writing without switching to a more complex tool.
However, Notepad’s AI-powered Rewrite tool may also face some challenges. Many long-time users may not see the need for such a feature in a simple app like Notepad. Notepad has always been about simplicity and speed, and introducing AI might complicate its basic functionality. For those who simply need to take quick notes or write without distractions, the integration of AI might feel unnecessary and intrusive.
Moreover, while Microsoft claims the feature is powered by “GPT,” it’s likely a fine-tuned version of ChatGPT that is designed to cater to everyday Notepad users. This could mean that it lacks some of the advanced capabilities of the ChatGPT models available through OpenAI. It would be interesting to see if Microsoft plans to expand the feature’s capabilities over time or if it remains focused on basic text rewriting.
Another factor to consider is the availability of the feature. While Microsoft has made it available to a broader audience, it still requires a subscription to unlock full access. This model, while helping monetize the service, might alienate users who expect more from their operating system’s built-in tools.
Fact Checker Results: A Quick Reality Check
- Subscription Requirement: The Rewrite feature is indeed tied to Microsoft 365 subscription plans for full functionality, which is accurate for users outside the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
- Availability: The feature is now available globally, outside the Windows Insider Program, as noted by Microsoft’s rollout of the Notepad version 11.2412.16.0.
- Tone and Format Options: The various tone and format options offered by the Rewrite feature have been confirmed as part of the new functionality, providing users with versatile rewriting capabilities.
References:
Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/03/04/windows-11-notepads-chatgpt-based-rewrite-rolls-out-to-everyone/
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