Notepad and Paint updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders
Hacker News
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Windows Insiders are getting a taste of exciting updates for the Notepad and Paint applications on Windows 11. These updates aim to enhance user experience through new features like expanded Markdown support, AI-driven text streaming in Notepad, and an AI-powered Coloring Book feature in Paint. Notably, Notepad now supports additional Markdown syntax, including strikethrough formatting and nested lists, accessible via the toolbar or keyboard shortcuts. Users will also enjoy a streamlined welcome guide that introduces them to key features, making it easier for both new and returning users to navigate the app's capabilities. Additionally, AI text features like Write, Rewrite, and Summarize are becoming more efficient with faster streaming results.
In Paint, two standout updates include the Coloring Book feature, which leverages AI to generate unique coloring pages from text prompts, and a fill tolerance slider for greater control over color application. The Coloring Book is available only on Copilot+ PCs and requires a Microsoft account sign-in. Similarly, Paint users can now adjust the fill tool's precision using the tolerance slider to achieve cleaner fills or creative effects.
These updates reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving core Windows applications, offering features that cater to both productivity and creativity. Notepad's enhanced Markdown support and AI tools make it more versatile for writers and professionals, while Paint's new features appeal to artists and hobbyists looking for innovative ways to bring their ideas to life. The inclusion of feedback mechanisms ensures that users can contribute to the evolution of these apps, making them more tailored to individual needs over time.
For tech enthusiasts and professionals, these updates demonstrate how even long-standing applications can evolve with modern technology, providing fresh tools that enhance creativity and efficiency. Whether it's drafting documents in Notepad or creating art in Paint, these improvements offer tangible benefits for users seeking to maximize their productivity and creative potential.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/25/2026