How to Enable and Use Rewrite AI in Notepad on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Windows 11 Notepad now integrates AI-driven rewriting capabilities, powered by GPT technology, allowing users to quickly rephrase, condense, or modify the tone and style of their text. This feature streamlines text editing and enhances productivity. This guide explains how to enable, use, and manage this AI rewriting feature, along with troubleshooting and advanced control methods for enterprise environments.

Enabling Rewrite AI in Notepad

Step 1: Update Notepad: Ensure you have Notepad version 11.2410.17.0 or later (update via the Microsoft Store if needed).

Step 2: Access Notepad Settings: Open Notepad and click the settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Activate Copilot: In the “AI Features” section, toggle “Copilot” to “On.” You may need to restart Notepad for the changes to take effect. A Microsoft account login is required.

Using Rewrite AI in Notepad

Step 1: Select Text: Open a text file, select the text you want to rewrite (or leave it unselected for the entire document).

Step 2: Initiate Rewrite: Use one of these methods:

• Click the Copilot button (top-right) and select “Rewrite.”

• Click the “Rewrite” button in the toolbar.

• Right-click the selected text and choose “Rewrite.”

• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+I (for default rewrite).

Step 3: Choose Rewrite Options: Select from “Rewrite,” “Make shorter,” “Make longer,” “Change tone,” or “Change format.”

Step 4: Review and Apply: Preview up to three rewrites using the Next/Previous arrows. Click “Replace” to apply, “Copy” to copy to the clipboard, or “Discard” to cancel. Click “Try again” for different options.

Step 5: Credit Consumption: Each rewrite uses one AI credit.

Managing AI Credits

AI credit usage is determined by your Microsoft account/subscription:

• Free Accounts: Typically start with 50 credits (not replenished).
• Microsoft 365 Personal/Family: 60 credits per month (refreshed monthly).
• Copilot Pro: Higher or unlimited quota (plan-dependent).

Check your credit balance by clicking your profile icon (top-right in Notepad).

Disabling Rewrite AI

Disable Rewrite AI in Notepad settings (as described above). For broader control (especially in enterprise environments):

• Group Policy: Use Windows 11 ADMX templates to manage Notepad AI features.
• Registry Modification (PowerShell Script): This method requires caution. Always back up your registry before making changes. The following PowerShell script disables Rewrite AI:

reg load HKU\TEMP "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_8wekyb3d8bbwe\Settings\settings.dat" >$null
$regContent = @'
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_USERS\TEMP\LocalState]
"RewriteEnabled"=hex(5f5e10b):00,e0,d1,c5,7f,ee,83,db,01
'@
New-Item "$env:TEMP\DisableRewrite.reg" -Value $regContent -Force | Out-Null
regedit.exe /s "$env:TEMP\DisableRewrite.reg"
Start-Sleep 1
reg unload HKU\TEMP >$null
Remove-Item "$env:TEMP\DisableRewrite.reg" -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

Ensure Notepad is closed before running this script.

Conclusion: Notepad’s AI rewriting feature significantly enhances text editing. Understanding credit management and utilizing advanced disabling methods for enterprise settings ensures optimal usage and control of this powerful tool. Remember to always back up your registry before making any manual changes.