Microsoft is adding tables to Notepad, but is it a wise move? The company is shoveling more features into the venerable Windows Notepad, including support for tables and AI enhancements. While Notepad predates Windows, Microsoft is keen to keep it relevant. After adding Markdown support in June, they've now introduced table functionality for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. This new feature allows users to easily insert tables into their documents, helping to structure notes. However, some argue that this feature is better suited for a rich text editor, and Microsoft already had one with WordPad, which was removed from Windows 11 in 2024. The company has been adding AI to Notepad, but users have to wait for these tools. The Summarize, Write, and Rewrite features were made available to Insiders on Copilot+ PCs without a Microsoft subscription in September, with streaming result responses. Notepad's recent revival of the DOS-era Edit tool seems at odds with Microsoft's direction, as it's a lightweight, AI-free text editor. The tool has strayed from its origins, and some users feel it's no longer Notepad. While adding formatting and tables enhances its utility, Microsoft risks adding unnecessary complexity, pushing users to other text editors. The timing is also unfortunate, as the company faces criticism for forcing AI onto users who prefer stability and reliability. As one user noted, 'It's essentially not Notepad anymore.'
