# Microsoft Unveils AI-Enhanced Features in Notepad – But it Comes with a Price
For more than forty years, **Notepad** has served as a straightforward, uncomplicated text editor that Windows users could depend on for swift note-taking and basic text modifications. Nevertheless, in its continuous effort to weave artificial intelligence (AI) throughout its platform, **Microsoft has now incorporated AI-driven features into Notepad**—albeit with a stipulation.
## **AI Arrives in Notepad**
A few months back, Microsoft rolled out **AI functionalities in Notepad**, enhancing the application’s capabilities significantly. Among the most remarkable updates is **Rewrite**, an AI-driven tool designed to assist users in rewording and polishing their text. Although this enhancement appeared to be a beneficial addition, users soon discovered that utilizing these AI capabilities necessitates a **Microsoft 365 subscription**.
## **AI Features in Notepad Are Behind a Paywall**
The fundamental features of Notepad remain **free**—you’re still able to type, edit, and save text without any limitations. However, to take advantage of AI-enhanced tools like **Rewrite**, you will have to **subscribe to Microsoft 365**.
Initially, Microsoft offered **50 complimentary AI credits** to enable users to experiment with Rewrite, but these credits have now **lapsed**, compelling users to pay for ongoing access.
## **Microsoft’s AI Revenue Strategy**
This initiative is part of a larger pattern in which Microsoft is incorporating AI into its offerings while simultaneously **monetizing** these features. Similar AI-focused transformations have been implemented in:
– **Windows 11 Taskbar** (AI-driven Bing Chat)
– **File Explorer** (AI-enhanced search and recommendations)
– **Microsoft Office Apps** (Copilot AI for Word, Excel, among others)
Although Microsoft markets these AI capabilities as **”bonus features,”** the manner in which they are promoted—through **subscription prompts and upsell notifications**—has led to discontent among many users.
## **Are Subscription Prompts Simply Advertisements?**
Some users contend that the **subscription prompts in Notepad** function as **ads**, as they interrupt the user experience by persuading individuals to pay for AI functions. This follows a trend where Microsoft has introduced **advertisements and AI features** across various elements of Windows, including the **Start menu** and **File Explorer**.
## **Notepad Functions Without AI**
Fortunately, **Notepad continues to work without a Microsoft account**. If you don’t require AI-powered features such as Rewrite, you can keep using Notepad as you have always done. However, if you were looking forward to AI-enhanced text editing, you’ll need to **subscribe to Microsoft 365** to gain access.
## **Final Reflections**
Microsoft’s choice to embed AI within Notepad is part of a broader movement towards **AI-centric computing**. While these features can be advantageous, the **paywall and subscription prompts** have raised doubts among many users about whether AI should be an added luxury or an **integral part of the Windows experience**.
Since Microsoft recently **increased the price of Microsoft 365**, it has become apparent that AI is evolving into a **premium feature** instead of a complimentary update. Whether users will accept this shift—or search for alternatives—remains uncertain.
### **What’s your take?**
Would you invest in AI-powered features in Notepad, or do you prefer the traditional, straightforward approach? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀
