Microsoft has rolled out a major update to its classic Notepad app, bringing text formatting and Markdown support to Windows 11. The upgrade is currently live for Canary and Dev Channel testers, making Notepad more versatile than ever and blurring the lines between Notepad and lightweight word processors like Microsoft Word.
What’s New in Notepad?
The update introduces a new formatting toolbar at the top of the app, next to the classic File, Edit, and View options. Users can now apply:
- Bold and italic styles
- Hyperlinks
- Headings and lists
- Markdown-style input
According to Dave Grochocki, principal product manager lead for Microsoft’s Windows inbox apps, users can switch between formatted Markdown view and raw syntax using the View menu or a status bar toggle.
For those who prefer plain text, all formatting can be cleared instantly from the toolbar or disabled entirely via app settings.
Markdown Support in Notepad
The biggest highlight? Windows Notepad Markdown support is now official. Users can open .md files, use Markdown syntax for formatting, and preview their documents in real-time. It’s a game-changer for developers, technical writers, and casual users who rely on Markdown for lightweight documentation.
Notepad Also Gets AI-Powered Writing
This formatting update follows the recent release of the “Write” feature, an AI-assisted tool in Notepad that can generate text based on user prompts. Together, these features mark a major shift in how Microsoft positions Notepad—once a no-frills app, it now leans into modern writing and development workflows.
Why Now?
Microsoft’s renewed focus on Notepad comes shortly after announcing the retirement of WordPad—the hybrid between Notepad and Word that existed for nearly three decades. With Markdown support, AI drafting, and formatting tools, Notepad is being reimagined as a lightweight WordPad successor and modern writing companion.
Notepad is no longer just a place to jot down quick notes or read .log files. With Markdown support and smart formatting, it’s evolving into a more powerful, flexible tool perfect for coding, writing, or anything in between.
Windows 11 users on the Canary and Dev channels can try it out now, while broader availability is expected in future OS updates.
