
For those who use Windows 11, traditional options like Notepad or Microsoft Word are familiar, yet many of these tools have become burdened with an array of features that may feel excessive for simple text editing. Enter “Edit, ” a revolutionary command-line text editor developed by Microsoft designed to streamline your editing experience directly within the Windows interface.
This innovative tool is set to launch soon and aims to provide a focused and efficient experience for users wishing to manipulate text files quickly. Currently, Microsoft has released Edit through its GitHub repository, where tech enthusiasts can download it before its official integration into Windows 11.
According to reports from Microsoft, Edit will be designated as the default text editor for command-line usage, offering seamless access via the Terminal. This initiative does not signal the end for Notepad; instead, it’ll provide a new way to edit files efficiently by simply entering edit in the command line.
Currently, users interested in trying Edit need to manually download it from GitHub, marking an interesting shift towards command-line text manipulation.
Exploring Edit: The Command-Line Text Editor for Windows 11
Our hands-on experience with Edit revealed a smooth installation process, thanks to the Winget command which automatically configured file paths, eliminating the need for any manual adjustments.
To kick-off your editing journey, simply open a new Terminal window, type edit, and hit Enter. You’ll be greeted by a familiar text editing interface reminiscent of simpler times, where both mouse and keyboard controls are at your disposal.
For instance, opening files is hassle-free; you can utilize the Open option, or jump straight into editing with commands like edit filename.extension. We tested it with system files such as log and ini, and found it performed flawlessly.
Edit comes packed with essential features like Find and Replace, two functionalities that enhance efficiency, especially with larger files.

The tool also includes a handy feature called Document Picker, which displays all files accessed during the current session, allowing quick file switching. However, it’s worth noting that this ability is session-bound; closing the editor erases memory of those files, somewhat akin to the tab functionality in Notepad.

In addition to these features, Edit allows for Word Wrap to manage text visibility and a Go to Line command, which facilitates navigation to specific parts of your document. But the question remains: what makes Edit a preferred choice?
Compact and Capable: Why Choose Edit?
One of the standout elements of Edit is its lightweight nature—tipping the scales at just 230 KB. This compact size doesn’t compromise its functionalities, allowing users to perform typical text editor tasks without the bloat. Additionally, it supports both mouse and keyboard navigations, making it highly versatile.
While many users have requested syntax highlighting—an important feature for developers—existing users reported that it was missing from the current iteration of Edit. For those particularly reliant on this feature, a community developer has created a fork of the tool that incorporates syntax highlighting, available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I install Microsoft Edit on Windows 11?
You can install Microsoft Edit by downloading it directly from the GitHub repository. If you prefer, you can also use the Winget command in PowerShell for a smoother installation that sets file paths automatically.
2. What are the main features of Microsoft Edit?
Microsoft Edit supports essential text editing features, including Find, Replace, and Word Wrap. It also has a Document Picker feature that allows you to quickly switch between files you’ve accessed during your session.
3. Is Microsoft Edit going to replace Notepad?
No, Microsoft Edit is not intended to replace Notepad. Instead, it will serve as an additional text editing tool available via the command line, offering a streamlined option for users who prefer working in a Terminal environment.
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