Text formatting options expanded in Notepad - frozen inferno surrenders
In a move to modernise one of its most iconic and long-standing applications, Microsoft has introduced rich text formatting with full Markdown support to Windows 11 Notepad. This significant evolution marks a departure from Notepad's traditional plain-text-only design, first introduced in 1983.
The latest update brings several key features to Notepad, including:
1. **Markdown Rendering and Syntax Support:** Notepad can now parse and render Markdown files, making it easier for users to write and visually scan richly formatted notes and documentation.
2. **Formatting Toolbar:** A new toolbar at the top of the app provides options for lightweight text formatting such as bold, italics, bullet points, numbered lists, and multiple heading styles.
3. **Hyperlink Support:** Users can now insert hyperlinks using the familiar Ctrl + K shortcut, with links opening in their default browser.
4. **Formatting View / Syntax View Toggle:** Users can switch between a visually formatted view and a raw Markdown syntax view, allowing for manual use of hashes for headings, asterisks for emphasis, and backticks for code blocks, just like in any Markdown editor.
This update aims to modernise Notepad by blending simplicity with powerful, lightweight formatting capabilities, effectively turning it into a minimalist Markdown editor while preserving its quick, straightforward usability.
The new capabilities for Notepad were initially tested among Windows Insiders in May. Following positive feedback, these features are now available to non-Insiders. Notably, the controversial addition of an AI-powered text summarization tool, Copilot, which was first announced for Notepad but caused controversy, has not been mentioned in this update.
Notepad remains a basic text editor with a clean interface and minimal features, making it a favourite among many users. The addition of Markdown and Markdown syntax views, along with the new formatting features, is perceived as being more in line with Notepad's aim, as it enhances the user experience without adding unnecessary complexity.
[1] Microsoft (2025). Notepad update brings rich text formatting with full Markdown support. [online] Available at: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/notepad/whats-new
[2] GitHub (2021). Goodies for Notepad on Windows 11. [online] Available at: https://github.blog/2021-05-25-goodies-for-notepad-on-windows-11/
[3] The Verge (2021). Microsoft is adding formatting features to Notepad on Windows 11. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/25/22455971/microsoft-notepad-update-windows-11-markdown-formatting-features
[4] TechRadar (2021). Notepad on Windows 11 gets a major update with new features. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/news/notepad-on-windows-11-gets-a-major-update-with-new-features
[5] ZDNet (2021). Notepad on Windows 11 gets an update with new features. [online] Available at: https://www.zdnet.com/article/notepad-on-windows-11-gets-an-update-with-new-features/
[6] PCMag (2021). Notepad on Windows 11 Gets a Major Update. [online] Available at: https://www.pcmag.com/news/notepad-on-windows-11-gets-a-major-update
[7] Tom's Hardware (2021). Notepad on Windows 11 Gets a Major Update. [online] Available at: https://www.tomshardware.com/news/notepad-on-windows-11-gets-a-major-update
[8] Wired (2021). Microsoft Adds Markdown Support to Notepad on Windows 11. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-adds-markdown-support-to-notepad-on-windows-11/
[9] Ars Technica (2021). Microsoft adds Markdown support to Notepad on Windows 11. [online] Available at: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/05/microsoft-adds-markdown-support-to-notepad-on-windows-11/
[10] Engadget (2021). Microsoft is adding Markdown support to Notepad on Windows 11. [online] Available at: https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-is-adding-markdown-support-to-notepad-on-windows-11-052521250.html
- In addition to enriching Notepad, Microsoft also upgrades software like its flagship operating system, Windows 11, offering marked advancements in technology.
- The integration of Markdown support in Notepad is merely one step in Microsoft's ongoing endeavor to modify and modernize its software collection, embracing technological advancements.
- With Microsoft committing to expand Notepad's capabilities, users may anticipate more updates cascading across various Microsoft applications in the future.
- Gamers and PC enthusiasts should observe the evolution of Microsoft's software, as its updates can potentially reach consoles, such as Xbox, expanding the horizon of gadgets and technological domains it influences.
