Microsoft drops Copilot branding from Notepad on Windows 11, but AI quietly remains

• Microsoft removes Copilot branding from Notepad in Windows 11 Insider build 11.2512.28.0.
• The Copilot icon has been replaced with a pen, and the menu has been renamed to “writing tools.”
• AI-powered features remain fully functional and are now managed under “Advanced features.”

Microsoft has begun removing Copilot branding from Notepad in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. The update, rolling out now in Notepad version 11.2512.28.0, replaces the Copilot icon with a pen and renames the AI menu to “writing tools.” References to Copilot have also been removed from Settings, where AI-powered features are now grouped under “Advanced features.”

Why Microsoft is removing Copilot from Notepad

This change marks the first visible step in Microsoft’s effort to streamline AI across Windows 11. Copilot branding faced criticism for feeling intrusive and inconsistent, and the company promised to reduce its presence in core apps. By rebranding rather than removing functionality, Microsoft keeps AI available while making it appear less front and center.

However, this may not align with what users actually want. A lot of Notepad users value simplicity and minimalism, and they may prefer to eliminate AI features entirely rather than hide them behind a neutral label. The move satisfies Microsoft’s stated goal, but it may fall short of user expectations for a truly distraction-free Notepad experience.

How AI features continue working in Notepad

Under the hood, nothing has changed. The AI tools still run as before, likely powered by Microsoft’s cloud models, but their presentation has been subtly reorganized.

The Copilot button has been replaced with a pen icon, the menu is now called “writing tools,” and the controls have moved to the “Advanced features” section in Settings. Users can still turn off all AI capabilities if they wish, keeping control in their hands.

What this change means for Windows 11 users

Notepad appears to be just the beginning of a broader cleanup. The software giant has indicated that other built-in apps, including Paint and File Explorer, may see similar reductions in Copilot branding. The strategy suggests a Windows 11 where AI is embedded but less obtrusive, a quiet intelligence working behind the scenes rather than a branded assistant in every corner.

For users, this is a mixed outcome. Microsoft delivers on its promise to reduce Copilot visibility, yet the AI itself remains. For those who hoped for a completely AI-free Notepad, the update may feel like a halfway measure. Copilot is fading from view, but the technology is far from gone, and it may not satisfy every user who just wants a simple text editor.