Notepad Revolution: Generate text using local AI without a subscription or internet connection

The End of Cloud Dependency: How Local AI Works

The classic Windows Notepad app, renowned for its simplicity, is undergoing its biggest transformation in history. Microsoft has begun integrating generative AI features that, for the first time, will be able to operate completely offline, without requiring an internet connection. This marks a key shift in the company’s strategy to ensure the speed, privacy, and accessibility of AI tools.

Previously, using AI features in Windows (such as “Rewrite”) required cloud computing via Azure services and was often associated with a paid Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription. With this new approach, all data processing and the implementation of the small language model (LLM) occur directly on the user’s device, guaranteeing maximum privacy.

Requirements: Next-generation Copilot+ PC with NPU

While offline AI features are free, they won’t be available on all Windows 11 devices. They require specialized hardware: a Copilot+ PC. These computers are equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU), which is critical for efficiently running AI calculations. The NPU offloads the workload, allowing generative AI to run quickly and smoothly without overwhelming the central processing unit (CPU).

• Availability: Features are being tested in Windows Insider (Canary and Dev) and will roll out to devices with NPUs.

• No subscription: Local AI is free and doesn’t require a Microsoft account.

Functionality: “Write”, “Rewrite” and “Summarize”

The updated Notepad gets three powerful tools powered by generative AI:

• Write: Allows you to generate new text from scratch using simple text prompts, ideal for quickly creating drafts or expanding on ideas.

• Rewrite: Helps edit existing text by changing its tone (for example, from formal to conversational), length, or style.

• Summarize: Quickly create a summary or key points from large text files.

Microsoft 365 subscribers can still seamlessly switch between on-premises and cloud models, providing flexibility: on-premises AI for privacy and speed, and cloud AI for access to the largest, most powerful LLMs. This update fundamentally changes the role of Notepad, transforming it from a simple text editor into a powerful, private productivity tool.