Microsoft Notepad, one of the oldest programs included with Windows, is gaining a new feature that will allow users to rewrite text using generative AI. However, the capability is currently limited to Windows 11 Insider releases.

In a blog post, Microsoft stated that the new Rewrite tool in Windows Notepad is powered by an AI model called GPT and that, in addition to rephrasing text, it can also help with tone and length of content based on user preferences.

How do I use Rewrite in Notepad?

If you're running the newest Windows 11 Canary or Dev builds and want to check out the new functionality, open Notepad on your device, highlight the text you want to edit or change, right-click it, and select the 'Rewrite' option. You can use the 'Ctrl+I' keyboard shortcut to swiftly access the feature.itThis will open a new conversation panel with the AI offering a rewritten version of the highlighted text, as well as several configurable parameters like 'Longer', 'Tone', and 'Format', which are located directly above the 'Replace' button. According to Microsoft, users will need to check in to their accounts to access the new function, which is "powered by a cloud-based service that requires authentication and authorization."

What is the catch?

The tech behemoth also stated that users will require AI credits to create content with GPT. If you live in the United States, Canada, Italy, or Germany, Microsoft will provide you with 50 AI credits to get started. It is also available to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family and Copilot Pro members in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. While Microsoft 365 Personal and Family customers will receive 60 AI credits each month, Copilot Pro will'receive extensive utilization of AI features.' Microsoft improved the 41-year-old plan text editor earlier this year by adding spellcheck and autocorrect.