Notepad, the quintessential text editor in Windows, is receiving a significant upgrade with the introduction of an AI-powered summarization feature. This new functionality allows users to quickly condense large chunks of text within Notepad itself, adding a layer of convenience to this traditionally simple application.
Summarizing Text with AI
The AI summarization tool is available in Notepad version 11.2501.29.0, currently rolling out to Windows Insiders. The process is straightforward: highlight the desired text, right-click, and select “Summarize.” Alternatively, the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + M achieves the same result. The AI then generates a concise summary, the length of which can be adjusted to meet individual needs. For those who prefer not to utilize this feature, it can be disabled within the app settings.
Similar to other AI features integrated into Windows 11, a Microsoft personal account is required for access.
Enhancing Notepad’s Functionality
This summarization feature builds upon the previously introduced “Rewrite” feature, which allows users to modify text length, tone, and format. The combination of “Summarize” and “Rewrite” offers powerful tools for refining text files, enabling adjustments to depth and style according to specific writing requirements.
Additional Updates: Recent Files
Alongside the AI summarization capability, this Notepad update includes a “Recent Files” option in the File menu. This provides quick access to recently used or closed documents, streamlining workflow and reducing the time spent searching for files. This feature, too, can be disabled in app settings for users who prefer not to keep a visible list of recently accessed documents.
Conclusion: A More Powerful Notepad
The addition of AI summarization and recent file access marks a significant evolution for Notepad. While retaining its core simplicity, Notepad now offers enhanced functionality that caters to a wider range of user needs, from quick summaries to efficient file management. This update underscores Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI capabilities into its core applications, enhancing user productivity and streamlining workflows.
