In a move aimed at enhancing user experience and functionality, Microsoft has rolled out a significant update for Notepad as part of Windows 11 version 11.2402.18.0. With this update, Notepad users can now enjoy spellcheck and autocorrect capabilities, bringing the humble text editor more in line with fully-featured word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
This development marks a notable step towards aligning Notepad with Apple’s TextEdit, a standard application bundled with MacOS, as well as Microsoft’s own WordPad app.
Similar to its more robust counterparts, Notepad will now underline misspelled words in red, providing users with visual cues to identify and correct errors. David Grochocki, Microsoft’s Principal Programme Manager for Inbox Apps, outlined the functionality in a blog post, explaining that users can easily fix spelling mistakes by clicking, tapping, or using the keyboard shortcut Shift + F10 on the misspelled word to access suggested spellings. From there, users can select the appropriate suggestion to update the word.
In instances where Notepad flags a word as misspelled, but the user deems it correct, options to ignore the suggestion or add the word to the dictionary will be available, offering flexibility and customization.
It’s worth noting that the spellcheck and autocorrect features will be enabled for specific file types, ensuring a tailored experience for users across various document formats. Moreover, Notepad will extend support beyond the English language, catering to a diverse user base with multilingual capabilities.
Users can manage these features through the Notepad app settings, providing the option to adjust settings globally or on a session-by-session basis for added convenience and control.
Microsoft’s decision to integrate spellcheck and autocorrect functionalities into Notepad underscores its commitment to improving productivity and usability within the Windows ecosystem. As the company continues to refine its suite of productivity tools, users can expect further enhancements and innovations designed to streamline workflows and enhance overall user experience.
