I’ve been using the refreshed version of classic Notepad since its release, and it has become my go-to tool for jotting down ideas, organizing notes, and keeping a daily scratchpad. I use it all day, every day, without even realizing how integral it has become to my workflow.
1
Multi-Tab Support Is a Game Changer
While you may view tab support as unnecessary if you only use Notepad as a scratchpad, this feature is a game-changer for my workflow. When I am in the zone with thoughts flying left and right, it allows me to quickly jot down new ideas, pending tasks, new opportunities, references, and citations—all separated into their own tabs.
Multi-tab makes it easy to work with multiple documents, and each tab is neatly labeled to help you keep track of what’s where. This setup allows you to open multiple text files in the same window while keeping them separate. You can also drag a tab out to create a new window, where each additional file opens in its own tab. If you prefer the classic behavior, you can adjust the settings to open files in separate windows instead.
2
Auto-Save Has Your Back
Auto-save is a handy feature in Microsoft Word and is also present in the new Notepad. As you’d expect from the name, it automatically saves your current session so you don’t lose your work when closing Notepad without saving or if the system crashes. The next time you open Notepad, it’ll be right there for you to resume.
Auto-save enhances Notepad’s functionality as a scratchpad. I can simply create a new file and use it without bothering to save a file that I don’t intend to keep for long. However, if you prefer the old behavior, you can open the Settings cog menu, then change the When Notepad starts option to Start new sessions and discard unsaved changes.
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3
Copilot and AI Make Writing Easier
Notepad is now suitable for drafting a quick email or even a formal message, thanks to Copilot. Notepad now supports the Rewrite feature (currently in Preview), which can rewrite sentences with the help of Microsoft’s AI.
You can adjust the tone, length, and format to get a customized response from Rewrite. For example, you can rewrite a paragraph to sound more persuasive while keeping the length shorter or longer.
To use Rewrite in Notepad, you’ll need a Microsoft 365 Personal/Family or Copilot Pro subscription. The feature is currently available in select regions, and you must be signed in with your Microsoft account. If you don’t see the Rewrite option yet, updating to the latest Notepad version from the Microsoft Store may help
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4
Dark Mode and Personalization
The new Notepad is updated to look like part of Windows 11, thanks to a modern header and a dedicated Settings tab for accessing and tweaking more preferences.
The settings interface now features a Theme option, allowing you to finally enable Dark Mode on Notepad. By default, it follows your system settings, adjusting the theme automatically.
You can personalize the font family, style, and size to suit your preferences. Additionally, Notepad now includes spell check (which highlights misspelled words and suggests corrections), plus autocorrect (which automatically fixes typos when spell check is enabled).
Despite the overhaul, Notepad is still a basic text editor that is simple to use. Microsoft has upgraded it with just the right number of useful features, including tab support, AI integration, and an auto-spell checker while keeping it as light as possible.
