Microsoft is bringing the power of AI to your doorstep, literally. Owners of Copilot+ PCs will soon be able to utilize Notepad’s AI writing features locally, eliminating the need for a separate subscription. This exciting development, currently rolling out to Windows Insiders, marks a significant upgrade for those who invested in the AI-powered PCs. Previously requiring a CoPilot Pro or Microsoft 365 subscription, the AI writing tools – including summarize, write, and rewrite functions – will now run directly on your device. This offers considerable cost savings for Copilot+ users, and even provides a choice between local and cloud processing for those with existing subscriptions. But the updates aren’t limited to Notepad; this latest Windows Insider build brings improvements to Paint and the Snipping Tool as well, making it a compelling update for all users.
Notepad’s AI Writing: Local and Powerful
The ability to run Notepad’s AI writing capabilities locally is a game-changer. It eliminates reliance on a cloud connection, ensuring faster processing times and enhanced privacy. The features, currently available in English, provide a convenient way to quickly summarize text, generate new content, or refine existing writing. This local processing power is a compelling addition for those prioritizing speed and data security, especially beneficial in scenarios with limited or unreliable internet access.
MS Paint Gets a Professional Touch
MS Paint, the long-time staple of simple image editing, receives a much-needed boost with the addition of project saving capabilities. Similar to professional software like Adobe Photoshop, users can now save their work in progress as a .paint file, allowing them to resume editing later. Further enhancing its functionality is the inclusion of an opacity slider for pencil and brush tools, granting users more control over their creations. While not a Photoshop replacement, these additions contribute to a more refined and versatile user experience.
Snipping Tool Enhanced with Quick Markup
The Snipping Tool, a vital utility for capturing screenshots, is also getting a useful upgrade. A new quick markup option allows users to directly annotate their screenshots with scribbles and markings right within the capture toolbar. This streamlines the process of adding quick notes or highlights to captured images, saving time and steps. The integration of this feature directly into the Snipping Tool is incredibly convenient and enhances its usability considerably.
Availability and Insider Program
These updates are currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. Signing up for the program is free and provides early access to new features. While Microsoft occasionally removes beta features before their official release, most features included in the Insider builds eventually make it to the stable release version of Windows.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s latest Windows Insider build offers a compelling array of updates that significantly enhance the user experience. The local processing of Notepad’s AI writing features on Copilot+ PCs is a standout upgrade, offering both cost savings and improved performance. Combined with the enhancements to MS Paint and the Snipping Tool, this update demonstrates Microsoft’s continued commitment to improving its core applications. While these features are currently exclusive to Windows Insiders, the rollout promises a more efficient and powerful Windows experience for all users soon. The improvements showcase a clear focus on user convenience and productivity, highlighting a commitment to constantly refining the core Windows ecosystem.
