Turn Simple Notes Into Organized Lists in Notepad
Windows Notepad is evolving from a plain-text tool into a lightweight Markdown editor. New support for Strikethrough and Nested Lists makes everyday notes easier to organize and manage.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
June 3, 2026
Notepad has always been the simplest app on Windows.
Open it, type something, close it, done.
No formatting, no structure, no distractions.
That simplicity worked until you needed to organize anything more complex than a short list.
Project notes, task lists, outlines, even grocery planning quickly turned messy.
Here’s a Cool Tip: Use Notepad like a Structured Note-Taking Tool.
With recent updates, Notepad is starting to behave more like a lightweight Markdown editor, including support for strikethrough text and properly nested lists.
The latest update to Windows Notepad adds support for two familiar Markdown features:
- Strikethrough: Lets you cross out text without deleting it
- Nested lists: Allows multi-level bullet or numbered lists for better structure
These additions build on the Markdown support introduced in 2025, which included headings, bold, italics, links, and basic lists.
It still remains a plain-text editor underneath.
Formatting is layered on top, so your files stay lightweight and portable.
Who Benefits Most
- Students taking structured notes.
- Professionals tracking tasks or meeting notes.
- Anyone who prefers fast, distraction-free tools.
What You’ll Gain
- Organize notes with multi-level lists.
- Track completed tasks without deleting them.
- Keep files lightweight and portable.
- Replace simple note apps with built-in tools.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
Windows:
- Open Notepad on a Windows 11 PC.
- Ensure Formatting is enabled.
- Go to Settings > Formatting.
- Click to ON.
- Start typing your content.
Create a nested list:
- Select the text to list.
- Go to the list icon on the toolbar.
- Select Numbered or Bulleted list
- Enter text on new line then Tab to create a nested bullet.
Add Strikethrough:
- Type text.
- Highlight text and then select Strikethrough on the formatting toolbar
 |
fig. 1 - Use Strikethrough and Nested Lists Example |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple way to organize notes without leaving Notepad.
- No extra apps needed for light task tracking.
- Works with standard Markdown syntax.
- Keeps files compatible with other editors.
Cons:
- Still limited compared to full Markdown editors.
- Feature is currently tied to newer versions of Notepad.
- Some functionality may still be rolling out.
- AI features may require Microsoft account sign-in.
- Platform: Windows 11.
- Availability: Currently rolling out.
- Version: Notepad 11.2512.10.0+.
- Account: Not required for formatting features.
Score
Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification
Adds practical note organization with minimal effort.
Easy to use with toolbar or simple Markdown syntax.
Useful improvement, but expected compared to modern editors.
A smart upgrade that makes Notepad surprisingly useful for everyday structured notes.
Compared to apps like Notepad++ or VS Code, it’s simpler but easier for quick tasks.
Key Takeaways
Notepad is no longer just a plain-text tool.
With Strikethrough and Nested Lists, it becomes a practical option for lightweight note-taking and task management.
For everyday use, that’s often all you need.
Cool Tip Snapshot
- Feature Name: Markdown Strikethrough & Nested Lists
- Platform(s): Windows 11
- Quick Benefit: Organize and track notes inside Notepad
- Best For: Students, professionals, and casual users
- Access Type: Rolling Out
- Difficulty: Easy
Try It Yourself
Open Notepad, turn on formatting, and build your next to-do list using Nested Lists and Strikethrough.
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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.
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