If you’re using Notepad on Windows 11, you might have noticed the “Rewrite” feature next to the Microsoft account menu. This tool lets you rephrase selected text and adjust its tone and length using cloud-based AI. While it aims to enhance usability, some users find it unnecessary for a simple text editor like Notepad. Additionally, using this feature requires signing in with your Microsoft account and consumes AI credits.
Without a Microsoft 365 subscription, you’re given up to 15 credits each month. On the other hand, subscribers receive up to 60 credits monthly. Each interaction with the AI features in Microsoft services deducts one credit. This has raised concerns among users who view it as a tactic to promote Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
If you don’t find the Rewrite feature useful, you can easily disable it. You can even uninstall Notepad entirely.
In this guide, I’ll explain the steps to disable the Notepad AI feature on Windows 11.
Disable Rewrite AI on Notepad for Windows 11
To disable the Notepad AI feature, use these steps:
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Open the Notepad app.
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Click the Settings button from the top right.
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Turn off the Rewrite toggle switch under the AI Features section to disable the feature.
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(Optional) Turn on the Rewrite toggle switch under the AI Features section to enable the feature.
Once you complete the steps, the AI feature will no longer be available in the note-taking app, and this action will also remove the Microsoft account prompt from Notepad.
Enable Rewrite AI on Notepad for Windows 11
To re-enable the Rewrite AI for Notepad, use these steps:
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Open the Notepad app.
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Click the Settings button from the top right.
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Turn on the Rewrite toggle switch under the AI Features section to disable the feature.
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(Optional) Turn on the Rewrite toggle switch under the AI Features section to enable the feature.
After you complete the steps, the Rewrite feature will be turned on, and you may need to sign in to your Microsoft account to continue using the feature but not to use Notepad.
Users have also been worried about the company making Notepad a premium requiring a Microsoft account. However, this isn’t the case. But it was another case of miscommunication from Microsoft. You can use the note-taking app without an account. The sign-in is only required if you want to access the AI feature.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].