Microsoft has rolled out a major update to its iconic Notepad app in Windows 11, introducing long-awaited text formatting features that bring it closer to a word processor experience. With the retirement of WordPad, Notepad has remained the go-to tool for quickly jotting notes or writing code on Windows. Now, it’s getting a makeover that makes it even more functional.
Currently available to Windows 11 testers through the developer build, the new Notepad now supports basic text formatting such as bold and italics—a significant upgrade for a tool once known for its plain text simplicity. However, features like underline support are still missing.
Users can also now create simple lists, add headings, and insert hyperlinks—improvements that enhance the overall structure and readability of notes or drafts. These options, aimed at casual users and basic productivity, can be disabled in the settings for those who prefer the original, stripped-down interface.
Can Notepad Replace MS Word?
While these updates make Notepad more versatile, it still lacks key features of full-fledged word processors. There’s no option to change fonts, insert images, check spelling, or format documents extensively. For drafting long documents or professional content, Microsoft Word or Google Docs remain far more capable alternatives.
That said, for quick notes and basic writing needs, the new Notepad fills the gap left by WordPad and is now more powerful than ever. Users looking for lightweight alternatives with modern formatting might also consider Google Keep.