In Windows 11, Notepad is also undergoing restrictions imposed by Copilot AI, as reported by PCWorld.
You might expect Notepad to be exempt from Microsoft’s AI integration due to its ubiquitous nature as a text editor. However, Microsoft is exploring the incorporation of buttons that enable Copilot to initiate frequently performed tasks, such as summarizing web content. Recently, Microsoft conducted tests on various proposed changes within its Coral and Dev Channels. These channels will temporarily share identical build numbers, albeit appearing as “24H2” when using the winver command. The upcoming annual update for Windows 11 is slated to be referred to as version 24H2 this year, according to a Microsoft blog post.
The Dev and Coral Channels serve as Microsoft’s testing grounds for potential releases, showcasing the latest Build 26052 with alterations to Windows and associated applications. Noteworthy additions include the introduction of the “sudo” command, traditionally linked with Linux, for Windows feature updates. This command allows developers to experiment with elevated modifications and bypass standard Windows security measures. Notable changes were also observed in the Snipping Tool and Notepad during this period of transition.
Moreover, the Dev and Coral channels play a pivotal role in implementing significant alterations, particularly in the case of Notepad due to the substantial modifications being made to the text editor.
Copilot and Notepad: a synergistic duo according to Microsoft.
Microsoft elaborated that they are introducing a new feature to Notepad in this update aimed at facilitating immediate comprehension of content within text files. Users can leverage Copilot in Windows to aid in interpreting selected information, code snippets, or log files directly from Notepad using the “Explore with” command. Microsoft emphasizes the utility of this feature, enabling users to effortlessly grasp the context by simply right-clicking on words and selecting “Explain with Copilot” from the menu or utilizing the new Ctrl+E keyboard shortcut.
The Snipping Tool has also undergone enhancements, offering additional functionalities that align it more closely with Paint. Users can now add arrows, rectangles, or other shapes directly within the tool itself, eliminating the need to transfer the screenshot to Paint for further edits.
Panel Changes: Copilot Buttons
Microsoft is giving Copilot a renewed spotlight by relocating the Copilot icon to the lower right-hand corner, where it may intermittently appear as a tooltip, providing quick access to features like text description, webpage highlighting, and other actions. Upon selecting a word and clicking the Copilot icon, a concise list of options will be displayed.
The introduction of fresh Copilot buttons is also being trialed by Microsoft, along with testing for Copilot’s automatic activation on widescreen displays, a feature that can potentially be managed through the Windows Settings (Personalization) page. Additionally, the “sudo” command, denoted as “superuser do,” is a notable addition in Build 26052, traditionally associated with Linux but now potentially available for Windows, primarily within the Windows Terminal environment. The implementation of sudo in regular Windows applications for system overrides remains uncertain.
Microsoft is also exploring other intriguing features, such as support for Bluetooth Low Energy reading aids, offering options in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices for managing presets, ambient sound control, and battery monitoring on a per-device basis. Furthermore, users can now experiment with features like Voice Clarity by adjusting mic processing settings in System > Sound > Properties and managing color profiles on a per-display basis via Settings > System > Display > Color management.
In a bid to enhance user experience, Microsoft is reintroducing a feature that encodes network credentials within an HTML character, allowing users to connect to networks by scanning the encoded character using their laptop camera. Additionally, Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of Windows Mixed Reality, as previously indicated.
About the Author
Mark Hachman, the Senior Editor at PC World, is a versatile artist specializing in diverse topics, including system devices and Microsoft updates. With a rich background contributing to reputable publications like ReadWrite, PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, and eWEEK, Mark brings a wealth of experience and insight to his work.
