Microsoft rolled out a Notepad update to Windows Insiders that strips the Copilot branding from the app. The old Copilot menu has been renamed “writing tools,” though the AI‑powered features remain identical. A pen icon now replaces the familiar Copilot button, and references to AI have vanished from Settings, moved under Advanced features, signaling Microsoft is listening to feedback and adjusting its approach.

The change follows a company‑wide pullback announced last month after users complained that Copilot was forced into every Windows app and delivered uneven experiences. Windows and Devices EVP Pavan Davuluri promised a more intentional rollout, starting with Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos and Widgets. The Verge notes the Snipping Tool already hides its Copilot button during screen captures, as part of the plan.

By eliminating visual entry points, Microsoft hopes to quiet the backlash while keeping AI assistance under the hood. Consumers who prefer a cleaner interface can now disable the writing tools in Advanced features, preserving functionality without the Copilot label. The rollout demonstrates that branding decisions can prompt rapid UI revisions across the Windows ecosystem, for power users seeking control.