Although many users aren’t interested in Copilot AI, Microsoft is steadily integrating it across its ecosystem. Maybe it makes sense to use AI assistant in Office apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint to help optimize content. However, we’re not sure about the purpose of adding Copilot in a simple app like Notepad. It seems Microsoft is attempting to bring macOS TextEdit features like rich text formatting and AI into Windows Notepad. If you prefer the traditional, plain-text Notepad experience without AI or formatting, here’s how to disable those features.
Why to Disable Formatting and AI Features?
Traditionally, Notepad has been a plain text editor without support for formatting like bold, italics, links, or strikethrough. Formatted text can cause issues when copying content from Notepad into other applications, especially with code blocks that require properly formatted quotes. Unless you specifically need rich text elements like tables or links, it’s best to disable formatting and use apps like Microsoft Word for such purposes.
The latest version of Notepad includes Copilot AI features designed to assist with writing and editing, but they aren’t always necessary. Here are some reasons you might want to disable them:
- Cost: You need a Copilot subscription, which typically costs $20 per month. While some Microsoft 365 plans include limited AI credits (you will get 60 credits per month for Personal and Family plans), heavier use may require a Premium plan at $199 per year for additional credits.
- Privacy: Copilot features currently operate in the cloud, meaning your data is sent to Microsoft servers for processing. This may raise concerns about data security and privacy.
- Distraction: AI suggestions can feel irrelevant or distracting if you use Notepad primarily for plain text or code.
- Performance & Simplicity: Disabling AI and formatting helps to keep the app lightweight, responsive, and clutter-free.
The good thing is that you can toggle formatting and Copilot in Notepad whenever you like.
Disable Formatting in Notepad
Follow these steps to remove the formatting toolbar. Since this will remove formatting from all open documents, be sure to save your changes and close open tabs with formatted content.
- Open Notepad and click the gear Settings icon in the top-right corner.
- Under the “Text Formatting” section, turn off the “Formatting” option.
- Confirm by clicking the “Turn off” button in the pop-up dialog.
You can also toggle formatting for the current tab without changing the overall setting:
- Click the “Formatted” option showing on the bottom status bar.
- Alternatively, go to “View > Markdown” menu and select “Syntax” option.
This will convert the content to plain markdown syntax and hide the formatting toolbar. However, other tabs will remain unaffected, and new tabs will still open with the formatting toolbar visible unless you disable formatting globally.
Disable Copilot in Notepad
- Open Notepad and go to the Settings page.
- Scroll down to the bottom and locate the “AI Features” section.
- Turn off the “Copilot” button.
This will remove the Copilot icon and hide all AI-related features from the Notepad’s interface.
Disable On-Device Text and Image Processing
Currently, Notepad uses Copilot via cloud processing. If Microsoft introduces on-device AI features in Notepad in the future, you can disable them through the Windows Settings app:
- Press Windows + I keys or right-click the Start button and select “Settings” menu.
- When you are in the Windows Settings app, navigate to “Privacy & security” section in the sidebar.
- Scroll down in the right pane and select “Text and image generation” option.
- Turn off the button against Notepad app under “Let apps use Text and image generation” section.
Conclusion
You can easily return to the classic and plain text experience by disabling formatting and AI features in Notepad app on Windows 11. Whether you’re seeking a distraction-free environment, prioritizing privacy, or aiming for better system performance, the steps above will help you tailor Notepad to your preferences.
