Windows Notepad, a stalwart of simplicity since its inception in 1983, has just received a significant update that brings it closer to modern standards. The latest update introduces spellcheck and autocorrect features, which have been in testing among Windows Insiders since March 2024 and are now rolling out to general users.

Modern Features for a Classic App

Notepad has always been celebrated for its straightforward functionality, and the addition of spellcheck and autocorrect doesn't stray from this philosophy. The spellcheck feature highlights misspelled words with a red underline, while autocorrect automatically adjusts typos or incorrect spellings. However, for those who use Notepad for coding or specialized text entry, these features can be disabled through the app's settings.

Despite these new capabilities, Notepad remains largely unchanged from its original form. This consistency is seen as a strength by many users who appreciate its no-frills approach. The app has gradually evolved over the years, adding features such as text zooming, find and replace, line numbers, and a tabbed interface introduced in 2018. Yet, it continues to deliver the same reliable experience it has promised for decades.

Unannounced but Not Unnoticed

Microsoft has not released an official announcement regarding these new features. However, the updates were spotted by tech enthusiasts at Tom's Hardware. The spellcheck and autocorrect features were enabled by default when the update rolled out to users' systems.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Notepad has seen incremental improvements. Just last year, the app gained a character counter, and during the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, it received several new functionalities. These updates ensure that while Notepad remains true to its roots, it also adapts to meet contemporary user needs.

Looking Ahead: AI-Powered Enhancements?

Earlier this year, X (formerly Twitter) user PhantomOcean3 leaked information about the inclusion of spellcheck and autocorrect in Notepad. The same leaker hinted at a potentially more transformative feature: an AI-powered Cowriter. While details are scarce, this addition could signify a substantial shift in how users interact with Notepad. For now, we'll have to wait and see what Cowriter entails and how it will integrate into the classic app.

As Notepad continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity in software design. With these latest updates, Microsoft ensures that even its most basic tools keep pace with user expectations while maintaining their core functionality.