Microsoft removes Copilot branding from Notepad, scales back Windows 11 app integration
Microsoft has started dialing back Copilot branding in Windows 11 apps, beginning with Notepad. The change follows the company’s statement that it would reduce “unnecessary Copilot entry points” in apps such as Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad.
In the latest Notepad preview for Windows Insiders, version 11.2512.28.0, the Copilot icon has been replaced with a pen icon labeled “Writing tools.” Microsoft has also moved related controls in Settings under “Advanced features,” while the underlying AI writing functions remain available.
Source: Windows Latest
This means Microsoft is changing the presentation, not removing the feature set. Write, Rewrite, and Summarize are still present in Notepad, but the Copilot name is no longer front and center in the app’s interface.
Source: Windows Latest
A similar change has also been reported for Snipping Tool. Windows Latest says the app no longer shows its Copilot button after capture, and describes the AI tie-in as removed from the current build, though Microsoft has not yet published a separate official post detailing that specific update.
It is a good sign that Microsoft has finally recognized the issue and started scaling back Copilot branding in core Windows apps. Hopefully eventually it will lead to the removal of the Copilot button from PC keyboards.
Source: Windows Latest
