Microsoft renamed Notepad’s Copilot menu to “writing tools” in a Windows Insider preview, keeping the same AI features but shifting to more neutral labels.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft is removing Copilot branding from some Windows apps, starting with Notepad in Windows 11.
- In the latest preview, Notepad’s Copilot menu is renamed to “writing tools,” while features stay the same.
- The Copilot icon was replaced with a pen icon, and AI wording was removed from parts of the settings UI.
- AI toggles are now grouped under “Advanced features,” letting users disable them if they prefer.
- The change is live for Windows Insiders on Notepad version 11.2512.28.0 and may expand to more apps.
What changed in Notepad and what stayed the same
Microsoft has started removing Copilot branding from Notepad in Windows 11, replacing it with a more neutral label while keeping the underlying AI features intact. In the latest Notepad preview update, the Copilot menu has been renamed to “writing tools.” The functions appear to remain unchanged, but the interface no longer uses the Copilot name.
The update also replaces the Copilot icon with a pen icon. Visually, that is a clear signal: Microsoft still wants people to see these options as part of writing and editing, but it does not want the UI to feel like a Copilot product placement inside every app.
For users, the practical impact is mostly about navigation. People who previously looked for “Copilot” will now find the same options under “writing tools.” If you use Notepad only for quick notes, you may not notice. If you used the AI features frequently, you will likely notice the menu and icon shift immediately.
Settings changes: AI options moved under “Advanced features”
Microsoft has also removed AI-related references from the Notepad settings menu. Instead of being labelled as AI tools, the options for enabling or disabling these features are now grouped under “Advanced features.”
This kind of repositioning does two things. First, it reduces the sense that AI is the main identity of the app. Notepad remains a lightweight text editor, and the AI layer becomes optional. Second, it can lower friction for users who do not want AI features. If toggles are grouped as “Advanced,” users may feel less pressured to interact with them, while still having a clear way to disable them.
It is also a subtle language change. “AI” is a loaded word for some users, especially in workplaces with strict policies. A neutral label can make the feature feel more like a tool and less like a major shift in how the app works.
Who has it now and what version to check
The update is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders, meaning it is not yet in the stable Windows 11 channel for everyone. Microsoft says users will see the new labels in Notepad version 11.2512.28.0.
If you want to confirm whether you have it, open Notepad, check the About section for the version number, and look for the menu label “writing tools.” If your build is older, you may still see Copilot wording until the preview update reaches your device.
Because this is a preview change, Microsoft can still tweak the wording again before it reaches general release. But the direction is clear: the company is separating the feature set from the Copilot name inside individual apps.
Why Microsoft may be scaling back Copilot branding
Microsoft has been pushing Copilot as a broad AI layer across Windows, Microsoft 365, and developer tools. But heavy branding inside basic apps can create user fatigue and confusion. Some people want the capability but do not want every surface to feel like an AI product.
Another factor is clarity. Copilot can mean different things depending on the context: Windows Copilot, Copilot in Edge, Copilot in Office, and Copilot in developer tools. By using neutral labels like “writing tools,” Microsoft can reduce the sense that a single assistant brand is being forced everywhere.
There is also a practical adoption angle. If the feature is useful, people will use it even without the Copilot name. And if someone does not want AI, Microsoft can point to an easy opt-out in settings. The article notes users can still disable the features within the app.
