Microsoft Brings AI-Based Rewrite Feature to Notepad
Introducing AI-Powered Rewrite
Were you thinking Microsoft has added AI to virtually its entire software lineup except for Notepad? Well, here comes an update to prove you wrong. Now rolling out to Windows Insiders in Windows 11 is a new Rewrite option for Notepad that promises to spruce up your text with the help of AI. Using an AI model called GPT, Rewrite can revise sentences, modify the tone, or alter the length of your text, explains Microsoft.
Getting Started with Rewrite
To take Rewrite for a spin, you’ll need the latest Canary or Dev build on Windows 11. Assuming you’re already registered with the Windows Insider program with either of these builds, head to Settings, select Windows Update, and click the button for Check for Updates. You should also make sure you’re running the latest version of Notepad. For that, open the Microsoft Store app, click the icon for Downloads, and then update all your installed apps.
Using Rewrite
Further, you’ll need to be signed into Windows with the Microsoft account registered with the Insider program. Microsoft says that’s because Rewrite is a cloud-based service that requires authentication and access to the AI credits necessary for generating content. Now, fire up Notepad and type some text you want to revise, anything from a couple of words to an entire document. Right-click on the selected text and choose Rewrite, select the Rewrite button on the toolbar, or press Ctrl + I. Next, tell Rewrite how to handle the revision. You can choose among different options, such as making the text longer or shorter, switching the tone between casual and professional, and even modifying the overall format.
AI Credits and Limitations
The AI credits that Microsoft doles out for Rewrite vary based on a couple of factors. Those of you in the US, UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany start with 50 credits. Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family get 60 credits per month, an option that also includes people in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Copilot Pro users get "extensive use of AI features," which sounds like Microsoft speak for unlimited use. The AI credits are accepted not just in Notepad but in other Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Forms, Designer, Photos, and Paint.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s Rewrite feature is an exciting addition to Notepad, offering users a powerful tool to refine their text with the help of AI. While it’s currently limited to the Dev or Canary Windows 11 insider builds, we’ll likely have to wait at least a few months before the option pops up in the standard version of Notepad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be a Windows Insider to use the Rewrite feature?
A: Yes, you need to be a Windows Insider with the latest Canary or Dev build on Windows 11 to use the Rewrite feature.
Q: How do I get the latest version of Notepad?
A: You can get the latest version of Notepad by opening the Microsoft Store app, clicking the icon for Downloads, and then updating all your installed apps.
Q: How do I use the Rewrite feature?
A: To use the Rewrite feature, right-click on the selected text and choose Rewrite, select the Rewrite button on the toolbar, or press Ctrl + I. Then, tell Rewrite how to handle the revision by choosing among different options.
Q: How many AI credits do I get per month?
A: The number of AI credits you get per month varies based on your location and subscription status. Those in the US, UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany start with 50 credits, while subscribers to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family get 60 credits per month. Copilot Pro users get "extensive use of AI features," which sounds like Microsoft speak for unlimited use.
