Windows 11's built-in Notepad app, Microsoft has introduced the highly anticipated character count feature as part of a series of improvements to Notepad.
The character count, a fundamental tool for writers and editors, is prominently displayed at the bottom of the Notepad interface. Similar to Microsoft Word, when text is selected, the status bar provides a character count for both the selected text and the entire document.
If no text is chosen, the character count for the entire document is conveniently shown.
This upgrade follows a trend of updates to Notepad throughout the year. The app recently received an autosave option, a welcome feature that eliminates the need for a pop-up save prompt each time the application is closed.
Tabs, dark mode for nighttime usage, and even a virtual fidget spinner for a touch of fun have also been integrated into Notepad.
Microsoft's decision to equip Notepad with a character count feature addresses a longstanding gap in functionality. Users who rely on Notepad for text-based tasks will now find it easier to track the length of their documents, enhancing their overall writing experience.
Moreover, Microsoft has extended its improvements beyond Notepad, with notable changes to the widgets section of the Windows 11 operating system. Users can now customise their widgets screen by opting to show only widgets and hide the feed of news and articles.
This update is a response to user feedback, acknowledging the desire to streamline the widgets experience by eliminating low-quality news articles and irrelevant content.
While these features are currently in the testing phase, Microsoft aims to roll them out to all Windows