How to generate text with AI using Write for Notepad on Windows 11

The Notepad app can now write for you using generative AI, and here's how to use the feature on Windows 11.

Notepad Write
Notepad Write / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • Notepad version 11.2504.46.0 and higher can now write for you using generative AI. 
  • To use it, open the “Copilot” menu and choose “Write.” Compose your text prompt, click “Submit,” and “Keep text.”
  • The Notepad Write feature is premium, and you’ll need a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription.

On Windows 11, the Notepad app includes a feature known as “Write” that creates text using generative AI, and in this guide, I’ll explain how to get started with this feature.

In Notepad, Write is meant to generate a draft from a simple text prompt to help you start from scratch or complement existing content. However, this tool is for simple text. For example, you can’t ask Copilot to generate code. Also, you shouldn’t confuse the “Write” feature with “Rewrite,” while they’re both similar, one allows you to change existing content, and the other is meant to create new content.

The AI feature is available starting with Notepad version 11.2504.46.0 and later releases. In addition, it’s currently rolling out for Windows 11 devices enrolled in the Dev and Canary Channels.

Also, Write is a premium feature, meaning that you’ll have to sign in to your Microsoft account, and the account has to be associated with a Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Enterprise, or Copilot Pro subscription, since you’ll be spending the AI token available in your account.

Furthermore, only the primary user can access this feature if you have a “Family” subscription.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to start using Write for Notepad on Windows 11.

Generate text with AI using Write on Notepad for Windows 11

To create text with AI in Notepad, follow these steps:

  1. Open Notepad.

  2. Open the Copilot menu and choose the Write option.

    Notepad Write option

  3. Compose your text prompt to generate the content with AI.

    Quick tip: You can also use the “Ctrl + Q” keyboard shortcut to open the prompt.
  4. Click the Submit button.

    Notepad Write prompt

  5. (Option 1) Compose another prompt if you have to refine the text and click the Submit button again.

  6. (Option 2) Click the Keep text button.

    Notepad Write keep text

Once you complete the steps, the text generated by AI will be available in your Notepad file.

Although this is a convenient way to generate text, it’s odd that Microsoft is making this a premium feature since it’s no different than using the Copilot app ( or other chatbots like OpenAI ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create the same kind of content.

If you cannot find the option, you may be able to enable it manually with the ViveTool with the vivetool /enable /id:44574505 command and then restart the Notepad app.

If you don’t want to use the AI feature in Notepad, you can always turn off the AI capabilities with these instructions.

What are your thoughts about the Write feature? Let me know in the comments.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (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].