Notepad Gets a Count (at last!): Character Counting Arrives on Windows 11

No more manual counting! Notepad finally gets a character count in Windows 11 update

For decades, the humble Notepad has served as the digital scratchpad of millions. It's been there for quick notes, code snippets, and i

mpromptu grocery lists. But one glaring omission has always plagued its simplicity: a character count.

Well, rejoice, note-takers! The wait is finally over. As part of a recent update to Windows 11's Canary channel (a testing ground for future features), Microsoft has bestowed upon Notepad the long-awaited gift of character counting.

No more tediously highlighting and counting individual characters. This new feature displays the total number of characters in your document right at the bottom, similar to how Microsoft Word shows word count.

What does this mean for you?

For casual users, it's a convenient way to stay on top of character limits, especially when dealing with website forms or file size restrictions.

For writers and coders, it's a game-changer. No more estimating word count based on lines or struggling to fit within specific character limits. This simple addition streamlines workflows and saves precious time.

But wait, there's more!

The character count isn't the only upgrade Notepad is receiving. The update also includes:

• Improved search: Find what you need faster with more precise and efficient search functionality.
• Performance enhancements: Notepad will feel snappier and more responsive, especially on larger files.
• Bug fixes: Microsoft has addressed several known issues to make Notepad a more reliable and stable experience.

So, when can you get your hands on this enhanced Notepad?

The character count and other features are currently available in the Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. However, they haven't yet rolled out to the stable public release. The official timeline for wider availability remains unclear, but it's likely we'll see it in a future Windows 11 update.

Until then, celebrate the small victories! The character count is a welcome addition to a classic tool, and it's a testament to Microsoft's commitment to improving the user experience. So, fire up Notepad, start typing, and let the counting begin!