Microsoft recently rolled out an update to the Notepad software on Windows 11, introducing spell-checking and automatic error correction features. This represents the most significant update to the software in over 40 years, since its initial release in 1983.
The spell-checking function in Notepad works similarly to Microsoft Word or Edge editing software, highlighting misspelled words in red. Users can access a list of suggested words by right-clicking on a word.
Originally launched by Microsoft in 1983 as Multi-Tool Notepad, the software was initially considered a condensed version of Word. However, the spell-checking feature has been available in Microsoft Word since 1985.
In the latest version, users can enable or disable spell-checking and autocorrect in Notepad through the settings menu. The software allows users to choose the specific file types (.md, .srt, .lrc, or .lic) to which the feature applies. Additionally, Microsoft introduced an autocorrect feature, which automatically corrects spelling errors when spell-checking is enabled.
Microsoft has also included several new features in Notepad on Windows 11, such as character count, dark mode, tabs, Copilot integration, and virtual gear. These updates are part of the company’s strategy to phase out the WordPad application from Windows 11 later this year.