Exploring Rewrite AI Features in Notepad

Microsoft is making waves with its latest enhancement to Notepad, now equipped with a groundbreaking AI feature called **Rewrite**. This innovation aims to enrich the text-editing experience by leveraging advanced AI capabilities. Let’s delve into what this new feature offers and how you can make the most out of it.

Introducing AI-Driven Rewrite in Windows 11’s Notepad

The Rewrite feature is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders within specific regions. Powered by the sophisticated AI model, GPT, this tool can effectively rephrase sentences, modify the tone, and adjust content length according to your specifications. Notably, Microsoft assures users that the AI processes data via the Azure cloud service, with no retention of the generated content, thus prioritizing user privacy and security.

Microsoft has added an AI in Notepad to rewrite and edit text

Initially available for users in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK, the supported languages include English, French, Italian, and German. For those with Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriptions, the AI functionality is expanded to users in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.

To get started with the Rewrite feature, ensure you have Notepad version 11.2410.15.0 or higher. Surprisingly, you don’t need to be part of the Windows 11 beta or developer channels to access these AI capabilities.

Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling Rewrite in Notepad

Adjust Device Language: Change your device language to US English or any supported language mentioned earlier.
Set Your Region: Navigate to Settings > Time and Language and set your region to the United States or another participating country.
Download Latest Version: Install Notepad version 11.2410.16.0. Visit this link to update your app manually.
Enable Feature via Vivetool: For advanced users, you can enable the Rewrite feature via the command in PowerShell:
.\vivetool /enable /id:47961746
Backup Current Notepad Version: If needed, create a backup of your stable version, Notepad 11.2409.9.0, before making any changes.

Diving Deep: Exploring the Rewrite Feature

Once accessed, you’ll notice a new **Rewrite** button in the Notepad menu. This button opens a dropdown with multiple options for text modification.

The primary function, **Rewrite**, can also be activated using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I. Interestingly, this shortcut is traditionally used for italic formatting, which may confuse some users. You can rewrite content to either condense or expand your text, depending on your needs.

Under the **Change Tone** menu, options include Default, Formal, Casual, Inspirational, and Humorous, while the **Change Format** allows for styles like Default, Paragraph, List, Business, Academic, Marketing, and Poetry. It offers a familiar experience for users acquainted with AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot.

Rewrite notepad right-click context menu

To execute a rewrite, simply select the desired text or leave the selection blank to process the entire document. After a brief moment, you’ll receive three varied rewrites to choose from, enhancing your editing efficiency.

The interface is intuitive, featuring options to replace the original text, adjust Rewrite methodology, or even copy the modified content directly to your clipboard.

Understanding Limitations of the Rewrite Feature

It’s important to be aware that Rewrite operates on a credit system. Initially, users receive fifty credits that will be consumed with each use of the Rewrite function. Signing in to a Microsoft account is mandatory to track credit usage. Keep in mind that if you click the **Retry** button, it also deducts a credit.

Users of Microsoft 365 subscriptions will enjoy a monthly replenishment of credits, while free users remain at a static allocation of fifty. This limitation has raised concerns about the practical usability of the feature, especially for frequent users.

Critics argue that this model resembles in-app purchases and hinders the creative process. While the intent may be to manage usage, the fact that processing relies on cloud-based AI raises questions about accessibility and functionality compared to offline alternatives.

Disabling the Rewrite Feature in Notepad

Should you prefer to switch off the Rewrite function, it can be easily disabled via the Settings menu.

Despite its utility, the new AI integration has raised eyebrows among users who favor traditional, straightforward applications without AI-driven add-ons.

Overall, the Rewrite feature could prove beneficial for specific applications; however, the credit constraints and invasive subscription model detract from its appeal. In contrast, competitors like Apple’s AI leverage on-device processing, illustrating alternative paths for AI integration.

For those seeking alternatives to Notepad, consider testing out Notepad++, CudaText, or versatile apps such as Obsidian, Standard Notes, or Joplin, available across numerous platforms.

What are your thoughts on the new Rewrite feature?

Additional Insights

1. How does the AI-driven Rewrite feature affect productivity?

The Rewrite feature can significantly streamline your writing process by quickly generating alternative phrasings, saving you time when revising text and enhancing overall productivity.

2. What happens when I run out of AI credits?

If you exhaust your AI credits, you will need to either wait for them to replenish (if you’re on a Microsoft 365 subscription) or purchase additional credits through the Copilot Pro subscription model to continue using the Rewrite feature.

3. Can the Rewrite feature be used without an internet connection?

No, the Rewrite feature requires a stable internet connection as it relies on Azure’s cloud processing to generate rewritten content, making offline use impossible at this time.

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