New Features in Notepad Update 11.2501.29.0

Overview of the Update

The latest version of Notepad, 11.2501.29.0, introduces two prominent features designed to enhance user experience. These features include an AI-powered summarization tool and improvements to the Snipping Tool, making it easier for users to annotate their work.

AI Summarization Tool

How it Works

The newly implemented summarization tool uses artificial intelligence to help users create concise summaries of selected text. To utilize this feature, simply highlight the desired text, right-click to access the summarization option, or press Ctrl + M on your keyboard. Users can adjust the length of the summary according to their preferences, whether they need a brief overview or a more detailed version.

Requirements

To access this feature, you’ll need a Microsoft personal account. If you have a subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or Copilot Pro, you will use AI credits for the summarization tool. If you’d rather not use it, this option can be turned off in the app’s settings. It is essential to note that while this AI tool is innovative, it may not always provide reliable results, so reading the full text yourself is often recommended for accuracy.

Recent Files Option

Accessing Your Work

Another feature that has been added to the Notepad is the Recent Files option. This is particularly useful for users who accidentally close documents and need to reopen them quickly. With this update, users can easily access recently closed files from the File menu.

Privacy Concerns

The Recent Files feature respects user privacy by only displaying the titles of documents rather than the content within them. Additionally, users have the option to delete the list of recent files if they prefer a clean slate or disable this feature altogether in the app settings.

Enhancements to the Snipping Tool

New Drawing Features

The updates to the Snipping Tool aim to improve usability, especially for users who frequently make annotations. A new feature called "Draw & Hold" has been added, which allows users to create precise shapes more effortlessly. This enhancement adjusts the shapes automatically to look neater, overcoming challenges that users faced with previous freehand drawing tools.

Integration with Other Apps

Developers will now find it easier to integrate the Snipping Tool into their applications due to the improved launch protocol. This means users may soon encounter the Snipping Tool more frequently across various applications, potentially enhancing overall productivity.

Rollout Information

These updates are currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in both the Canary and Dev channels. As with most updates, this rollout will happen gradually, and users may need to check back regularly for the latest features.

Feedback Mechanism

Microsoft values user feedback and has emphasized its importance with this update. Users can provide feedback about the Notepad and Snipping Tool through the Feedback Hub app by using the shortcut WIN + F. Under the Apps section, there are dedicated areas for both features, allowing for targeted feedback collection.

For those eager to experience the full rollout of these features, patience is necessary. Similar to other updates, both the Notepad and Snipping Tool changes are expected to undergo thorough testing before widespread release.