Markdown Comes to Notepad
Microsoft has quietly added Markdown support to Windows 11’s Notepad app and it’s much more than a cosmetic upgrade. This deceptively simple addition brings formatting tools, live previews, and enhanced functionality for writers, developers, and everyday users.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
July 9, 2025
That’s exactly what’s happening with Notepad, the no-frills text editor that’s been tucked into Windows since 1985.
Here's a Cool Tip: Try Markdown in Windows 11 Notepad.
Notepad just got a jolt of modernity with native Markdown support, and for anyone who writes, formats, or takes notes, this update is worth a closer look.
Most of us know Markdown as the whisper-light formatting language used on GitHub, Reddit, and countless blogs.
But with Microsoft’s newest update to Notepad in Windows 11, Markdown gets its own toolbar, live preview, and a faster workflow—without needing plugins or third-party editors.
What You'll Gain
- Speedy Formatting: Style text in seconds using Markdown shortcuts.
- Live Preview: See your edits and formatting in real time.
- Reduced Friction: Write structured content without extra apps or tabs.
What Is Markdown in Notepad?
The new Markdown mode lets you write plain text using Markdown syntax and instantly see the formatted output in a split view.
Headings, bold, italics, lists, links, it’s all supported.
Notepad now includes a formatting toolbar with quick-insert buttons, plus shortcut keys for seasoned typists.
This isn’t a full-fledged Markdown IDE like Obsidian or Typora but it’s clean, fast, and shockingly effective for rapid drafts and readable notes.
🧭 Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
This new Markdown support is rolling out to Windows 11 Notepad.
It's largely automatic once you update the app via the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Windows 11 Desktop:
Update Notepad: Ensure your Notepad app is updated to the latest version via the Microsoft Store.
The feature is rolling out generally.
- Launch Notepad as you normally would.
- A new, lightweight formatting toolbar appears at the top of the Notepad window.
- You can highlight text and click the H1 icon for headings, B for bold, I for italics, or the list icons to apply formatting.
- Formatting is turned on by default (Settings, Formatting toggle)
- Start a New Markdown tab
- Go to File → New Markdown Tab
- Begin Writing with Markdown:
- Headings: For a main title, type # My Title and press Enter. For a subheading, use ## My Subheading, and so on, up to three hash marks (###).
- Bold Text: Enclose text with double asterisks: **Important Point**
- Italic Text: Enclose text with single asterisks or underscores: *Emphasis* or _Emphasis_
- Bulleted Lists: Start a line with a hyphen, asterisk, or plus sign, followed by a space: - Item 1
- Numbered Lists: Start a line with a number followed by a period and a space: 1. First Item
- Hyperlinks: Use the format [Link Text](URL) like [One Cool Tip](http://www.OneCoolTip.com).
- Switch between formatted and markdown syntax
- Go to View → Markdown → formatted or markdown syntax.
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| fig. 1 - Use Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad |
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fig. 2 - Open a New Markdown Tab |
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fig. 3 - Select Markdown Syntax in Notepad |
iOS and Android
- Markdown mode is not yet available on mobile Notepad apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Instant formatting for clean visual structure.
- Zero setup needed—built right into Notepad.
- Great for quick content, blog drafts, documentation, or meeting notes.
Cons
- No cloud sync or folder organization, unlike OneNote.
- Limited support for advanced Markdown features (like tables or footnotes).
- Still desktop-only. No mobile or web support (yet).
Real-World Examples
Educator Tip: A history teacher preps lecture notes in Markdown with bullet lists and section headers, easy to share, clean to print.
Content Creator Workflow: A blogger drafts posts offline during travel using Notepad, then pastes into WordPress with formatting intact.
Dev Diary: A software engineer logs daily progress using ## Feature, - Completed, - Bugs Found structure—and keeps a readable local archive.
Feature Access
Available to:
- All Windows 11 users with the latest update.
- Not currently supported on Windows 10, mobile, or web versions.
Score
Criteria Score RationaleValue 9Great for everyday writing, note-taking, and content structuring. Saves time and reduces the need for external tools.Usability 8Extremely easy to access and use. Minor limitations in feature depth.Wow Factor 7A pleasant surprise for Notepad users. Not flashy, but undeniably useful.Total Score: 24/30 — 👍 Good Recommended for writers, educators, and productivity-focused users.
Key Takeaways
Markdown in Notepad adds subtle power and polish to a classic tool.
You get real-time formatting without needing plugins or pro-level software.
It's the kind of simple upgrade that quietly improves your workflow.
Try It Yourself
Open Notepad today and try writing your next email draft or meeting notes in Markdown.
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