Notepad app gets Recent files and Summarize AI features on Windows 11

Notepad is getting an update that includes two new features, including Recent files and Summarize. Microsoft is now testing these features for devices enrolled in the Dev and Canary Channels of the Windows Insider Program.

Recent files for Notepad

The “Recent” feature is a simple entry in the “File” menu that allows you to reopen recently closed files without having to do extensive navigation.

The menu also includes an option to clear the list.

Although this is a small change, it’s a welcome addition and something that should have been part of the app since day one, or at the very least, since the company introduced the modern version of the note-taking application.

Summarize with AI

Notepad’s “Summarize” is a new feature powered by the Copilot AI that enables you to generate a shorter version of the selected text.

To use this feature, you have to select the text, right-click the selection, and choose the “Summarize” option or use the “Ctrl + M” keyboard shortcut. The option is also available from the “Copilot” menu in the top-right corner.

In the AI interface, you can review the summarization, insert it into the file, and change the length.

One caveat with this feature is that you’ll have to be signed with a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro account since each summarization costs money (in this case, a token). Microsoft doesn’t specify if users with a free account will be able to use it. However, typically, users with a free account get several tokens a month to perform a few AI actions.

In addition, the Copilot AI capability has to be enabled so you can see this and other AI features. If you don’t see the “Copilot” icon in the top-right corner, turn “Copilot” on from the Notepad settings.

It’s important not to confuse “Summarize” with “Rewrite.” Notepad has another feature known as Rewrite, which also uses AI to rewrite a selection of text that you make longer or shorter.

These new features are available with Notepad version 11.2501.29.0 and higher releases.

What do you think about these new features in Notepad? Is the freemium approach to Notepad correct? Let me know in the comments.