Notepad, one of the oldest and most reliable apps in the Windows ecosystem, has been undergoing some big changes during the Copilot AI era. Unfortunately, one of its new features was prone to a serious vulnerability that Microsoft has now patched with a February 10 security update.
No, this is not the same vulnerability discovered in the Notepad alternative Notepad++. Just very bad timing.
Does Notepad really need all of these new features?
Notepad has traditionally been a lightweight, simple app that edits text. Then came Microsoft’s obsession with putting AI everywhere; Notepad was no exception.
While often useful, not all Notepad users feel the need to add additional features to the lightweight app. My colleague and Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson highlighted the issue last week when he expressed frustration over being locked out of Notepad due to server issues at Microsoft.
Microsoft has more recently walked back its Windows 11 AI overload after pushback from the community, although concrete proof of this mindset shift remains to be seen.
Following Notepad++’s state-sponsored hijacking and Windows Notepad’s vulnerability and newfound bloat, you might want to check out an open-source and free Notepad alternative I found on GitHub.
Frustrated with new features in Notepad, whether they add severe vulnerabilities or not? Let me know in the comments section!
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
