Tuesday, 1 April 2025
28.8 C
Singapore
33.2 C
Thailand
20.9 C
Indonesia
28.1 C
Philippines

Notepad gets its most significant update in 41 years

Notepad receives its most significant update in 41 years, adding spellcheck and autocorrect, along with other modern features, making it more user-friendly.

Microsoft’s Notepad, a staple of Windows for over four decades, has finally received its most significant update yet. After 41 years, the simple text editor now features autocorrect and spellcheck, making it more user-friendly than ever before. If you thought Notepad already had these features, you’re not alone. They have just been added to the version available for Windows 11.

The long-awaited update

Microsoft first announced the addition of spellcheck and autocorrect in March, and the update began rolling out to Windows Insiders in April. Over the past few days, the broader Windows 11 user base has started to receive the update. You might have yet to notice the change, but if you check Notepad on your PC, you will see spellcheck enabled, even if you have not received any notifications from Windows Update.

Despite being a primary word processor, Notepad has been missing these essential features for years. Now standard in most text entry apps, Spellcheck was once a premium feature that set Microsoft Word apart. Word got spellchecked in the early 1990s, nearly a decade after its release. Before then, separate programs like Oracle’s CoAuthor were used to scan documents for errors after writing.

The evolution of Notepad

Notepad was initially launched in 1983 as Multi-Tool Notepad, a pared-down version of Word. It included basic features like bold and underlined text and was notable for allowing mouse interactionโ€”a novelty at the time. Released alongside the Microsoft Mouse, Notepad showcased the capabilities of this new input method.

Over the years, Notepad has seen many cosmetic changes but only minor alterations to its core functionality. However, in the past year, Microsoft has given Notepad more attention. In addition to the new spellcheck and autocorrect features, Microsoft has added dark mode, tabs, a history feature, and Copilot integration. These updates likely follow Microsoft’s decision to discontinue its WordPad app after nearly 30 years.

Enhanced functionality

When you type in Notepad, misspelled words will be underlined with the familiar red squiggly lines. You also have the option to add unknown words to your dictionary. You can turn off spellcheck in the Notepad settings or toggle it for different file types. Autocorrect can also be toggled on or off based on your preference.

With these updates, Notepad has evolved from a simple text editor to a more robust tool, retaining its original charm while embracing modern features. It’s a welcome change for long-time users and a nod to the app’s enduring legacy in the Windows ecosystem.

Hot this week

New AI features coming to Final Cut Pro

Apple updates Final Cut Pro with AI-powered tools, Image Playground, and new features for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, enhancing video editing workflows.

MacBook Pro design overhaul expected in 2026

Apple might release a long-awaited MacBook Pro redesign in 2026, with OLED screens, improved portability, and more features.

Most consumers now back up their data, but cloud storage limits push shift to hybrid solutions

87% of people now back up their data, but cloud limits and rising costs are driving a shift to hybrid storage solutions.

Samsungโ€™s latest vacuum alerts you to calls and texts while you clean

Samsungโ€™s new Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum can alert you to calls and texts while cleaning as the brand expands smart home screens across appliances.

Krafton strengthens presence in India with Nautilus Mobile acquisition

Krafton acquires a controlling stake in Indian gaming studio Nautilus Mobile for US$14M, strengthening its foothold in Indiaโ€™s growing gaming market.

Vivo challenges iPhone 16 Pro Max with X200 Ultraโ€™s video stability

Vivoโ€™s X200 Ultra teaser compares video stability with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, promising top-tier camera upgrades and advanced stabilisation.

Apple Intelligence now supports English (Singapore) with the latest update

Appleโ€™s latest update brings Apple Intelligence support for English (Singapore), making AI features more accessible without needing US English settings.

OpenAI secures US$40 billion in funding at US$300 billion valuation

OpenAI secures US$40B, reaching a US$300B valuation, to advance AI research and expand Stargate.

This tiny and affordable device upgrades any speaker with Wi-Fi streaming and hi-res audio

The Atonemo Streamplayer is a tiny, affordable device that adds Wi-Fi streaming and hi-res audio support to any speaker with a 3.5mm aux port.

Related Articles