Microsoft turns Copilot in Notepad into Writing Tools
In the Windows Insider preview version of Notepad, the AI functions are now called Writing Tools. Previously, the function was called Copilot.
In Notepad, Copilot becomes Writing Tools.
(Image: heise medien / phantomofearth/X)
Microsoft is reportedly moving away from Copilot in all Windows components, as recently became public. Now, in the current Windows Insider preview, Copilot is called “Writing Tools”, as observant users have noticed.
For example, the user with the handle phantomofearth posted on X that the latest update of Notepad in the Windows Insider channel, version 11.2512.28.0, brings changes in this regard. Confirmations can also be found on other social networks like Reddit. Developers are replacing the term and icon of Copilot with a new symbol depicting a sparkling pen and the name “Writing Tools”. However, these still hide the tools for writing, rewriting, or summarizing texts.
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This raises the question of how seriously Microsoft is taking the move away from its plans to stuff AI into every corner of Windows. Already after the public suspension of the Windows Recall function, Microsoft had paused the name “Copilot” as an umbrella term for AI functions in Windows. Since then, AI functions have been integrated into Windows settings, for example, without bearing the Copilot brand.
Now, at least the name Copilot is disappearing from Notepad. Other Windows tools will likely follow this trend in the future; indications point to the Snipping Tool, Windows Photos, and Widgets. However, this does not mean Microsoft is stopping the further and increasing integration of artificial intelligence into Windows operating systems and applications. The company is simply calling them something else.
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This fulfills previous assumptions. In mid-March, Microsoft confirmed that the company intends to bloat Windows 11 less with AI this year. Microsoft wants to proceed more tactfully where the Copilot brand and AI extensions appear in apps and interfaces. In March, sources clarified that this is part of larger efforts to address user criticism and concerns that Windows 11 is becoming bloated and experiencing “Enshittification”.
New AI functions are still being added, but they are intended to remain optional and deactivatable. In Notepad, this is already possible under the Copilot branding: In the settings, at the very bottom, you will find the “Copilot” item under “AI Features”, where it can be switched off with a mouse click.
(dmk)
