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Microsoft Rebrands Notepad with 'Writing Tools' Icon Update

4/9/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Microsoft is removing Copilot branding from Windows 11 Notepad and replacing it with a "Writing tools" icon.
The underlying Notepad functionality remains unchanged, even as references to AI are minimized.
The update, version 11.2512.28.0, is rolling out to Windows Insiders.
Microsoft indicates similar changes may arrive in other apps such as Paint and File Explorer.

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Story summary

Microsoft is removing Copilot branding from Windows 11 Notepad and replacing it with a "Writing tools" icon.
The underlying Notepad functionality remains unchanged, even as references to AI are minimized.
The update, version 11.2512.28.0, is rolling out to Windows Insiders.
Microsoft indicates similar changes may arrive in other apps such as Paint and File Explorer.