Microsoft is now restricting certain features in Notepad and Paint, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription to access them.
These apps have been free and built into Windows for years, but now users will need to pay for full functionality.
What’s Changing?
Microsoft recently added AI-powered features to Notepad and Paint, making them more advanced than ever. However, these enhancements will now be locked behind a paywall, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
Windows Insiders previously had free access to these new tools, but Microsoft has now made them subscription-only. Users who don’t subscribe will see a grayed-out interface or a message informing them of the restriction.
Which Features Are No Longer Free?
In Notepad:
Users will still get spell check for free, but these AI-powered tools will require a paid subscription:
- AI text rewriting for different styles and tones.
- AI-generated alternative versions of selected text.
- AI-powered text shortening and lengthening.
In Paint:
The Image Creator feature, powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E, will now be locked behind a paywall. However, the automatic background removal tool will remain free.
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
Microsoft has never put basic features of Notepad and Paint behind a paywall before, making this move surprising. The company seems to be pushing AI-powered tools as premium features, making them exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Can You Still Use Notepad and Paint for Free?
Yes, basic features of both apps will remain free. You can still:
- Use Notepad for regular text editing and spell check.
- Use Paint for basic drawing and editing without AI-generated images.
Microsoft is making AI-powered features in Notepad and Paint exclusive to Microsoft 365 users, marking a big shift for these classic Windows apps.
While the core functions remain free, users who want advanced AI tools will need to pay for a subscription.
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