Microsoft is bringing a big change to its humble Notepad app, and it’s something even the most minimalistic users may find surprising: AI-powered text editing. As of November 2024, the company is rolling out a new feature called “Rewrite” to Windows Insiders, letting users rewrite text, adjust its tone, and even alter its length—all with the help of artificial intelligence.

For those fortunate enough to have early access to this feature, using it is as simple as highlighting text in Notepad, right-clicking, and selecting “Rewrite.” From there, you’ll be able to specify whether you’d like the text to be longer, shorter, or to change its tone. The AI will generate multiple rewritten versions for you to choose from, making it easier to fine-tune your content. However, the feature requires signing in to your Microsoft account, as it is powered by a cloud-based service.

This shift marks a significant departure for Notepad, which has long been a no-frills, straightforward text editor since its launch in 1983. The addition of this AI tool—part of a broader push to integrate AI into more Windows applications—adds to recent updates such as spell check and autocorrect.

But Notepad isn’t the only app getting AI upgrades. Microsoft Paint, also a staple of Windows, now offers powerful new AI tools like generative fill and generative erase. These tools allow users to edit images by adding or removing elements with the help of AI, opening up new possibilities for creativity.

It’s clear that Microsoft sees AI as a key component in modernizing its older apps. Whether these tools will be embraced or resisted by users who appreciate the simplicity of Notepad remains to be seen. However, it’s undeniable that the company is reshaping some of its most iconic software with AI—who could have predicted that even Notepad would one day get in on the action?