Windows 11 Notepad Update Introduces Markdown Support, Sparking User Controversy

Microsoft has updated its Notepad application for Windows 11, introducing support for Markdown formatting. However, this change has not been well received by a portion of Windows 11 users.

With Markdown support, users can highlight text in bold or italics, as well as use bullet points, including numbered lists.

Yet, many users believe this addition undermines the original simplicity of Notepad. One user expressed on social media platform X, «This isn’t necessary; we already have WordPad for such tasks. Notepad used to be reliable during unexpected shutdowns, but now it feels like too much has changed.»

Another user stated, «Notepad is not a note-taking application (we already have OneNote); it’s a text editor. Don’t use it for markdown formatting. You’re complicating the fundamental components that should remain minimalist and stable. We don’t need markdown, integrated Copilot, and similar features.»

Markdown functionality has been made accessible on the top toolbar, allowing formatting options like headings, bold, and italic text. There’s also a button for creating lists and a feature to directly insert URL links within the text. Lastly, a ‘Remove Formatting’ button has been added.

This feature is enabled by default, but users can disable formatting through the settings menu.

Microsoft has claimed that this streamlined implementation of Markdown will not slow down the text editor or demand additional resources. Earlier this spring, the company integrated AI features into the service, including a text summarization tool. The «Summarize» option enables users to create summaries from highlighted text. To use this feature, one needs to select the text, right-click, and choose the new option from the Copilot menu or use the shortcut Ctrl + M.

Previously, WordPad served as a middle ground between Notepad and MS Word. However, the editor was removed with the launch of Windows 11 24H2. Instructions for restoring the application using a workaround have surfaced online.