Unlock Notepad's Potential: Explain with Copilot on Windows 11 – A Quick Guide

Table of Contents

Microsoft has integrated its AI-powered Copilot into various Windows 11 applications, and Notepad is no exception. The “Explain with Copilot” feature significantly enhances the utility of Notepad, transforming it from a simple text editor into a powerful tool for understanding and analyzing text. This feature leverages artificial intelligence to provide explanations, insights, and context for selected text within Notepad, making it invaluable for a range of tasks from deciphering code snippets to understanding complex documents. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to use the “Explain with Copilot” feature in Notepad on Windows 11, unlocking a new dimension of text interaction and comprehension.

Understanding Explain with Copilot in Notepad¶

“Explain with Copilot” in Notepad is an innovative, AI-driven feature designed to enhance user understanding of text directly within the application. It goes beyond the basic functionalities of Notepad, introducing capabilities to analyze and interpret text content. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently work with log files, code segments, or dense documentation. By leveraging the power of AI, “Explain with Copilot” can break down complex information into easily digestible explanations. It can identify key concepts, clarify jargon, and provide context, all within the familiar Notepad interface. This integration aims to boost productivity and learning by making information more accessible and understandable.

Initially introduced with Notepad version 11.2401.25.0, this feature highlights Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI across its operating system to improve user experience. The primary function of “Explain with Copilot” is to demystify selected text. When a user selects a portion of text and uses the “Explain with Copilot” function, the text is sent to Copilot, which then processes it and generates a detailed explanation. This explanation is presented in a sidebar, allowing users to review the AI-generated insights without leaving their Notepad document. This seamless integration ensures a fluid workflow and enhances the overall utility of Notepad as a tool for both simple text editing and more complex information processing tasks.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using Explain with Copilot on Windows 11¶

To utilize the “Explain with Copilot” feature in Notepad, your Windows 11 device must have Copilot enabled. Currently, this feature is primarily available to users enrolled in Windows Insider Channels, specifically the Beta Channel. Microsoft is expected to roll out this feature to stable versions of Windows in the near future, making it accessible to a broader audience. Before proceeding, ensure your operating system is updated to the latest version and that Copilot functionality is active on your device.

Enabling Explain with Copilot: Windows Insider Program¶

The “Explain with Copilot” feature is initially available through the Windows Insider Program. Joining this program grants you early access to new features and updates, including Copilot integration in Notepad. To enroll, follow these steps:

1. Back up your data: Before joining the Windows Insider Program, it is crucial to back up your important files and data. Insider Preview builds are pre-release versions of Windows, and while generally stable, there is always a potential for unforeseen issues. Data backup ensures you can restore your system if any problems arise during the Insider Preview experience.
2. Navigate to Windows Update Settings: Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 system. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I or by searching for “Settings” in the Start menu.
3. Access Windows Insider Program: In the Settings app, click on “Windows Update” from the left-hand menu. Then, select “Windows Insider Program.”
4. Join Windows Insider Program: If you are not already enrolled, you will see a “Get started” button. Click on this button to begin the enrollment process. You will need to link your Microsoft account to proceed.
5. Choose Insider Channel: You will be prompted to choose an Insider channel. For access to “Explain with Copilot” in Notepad, selecting the Beta Channel is recommended as it typically receives features like this before the stable release but is more stable than the Dev or Canary channels. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your channel.
6. Restart your PC: After successfully joining the Windows Insider Program and selecting a channel, restart your computer. This restart allows Windows to download and install the necessary Insider Preview builds.
7. Check for updates: After restarting, go back to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Windows will download and install the latest Insider Preview build relevant to the channel you selected.
8. Verify Feature Availability: Once the updates are installed and your system restarts again, open Notepad. To check if “Explain with Copilot” is enabled, open a text document, select some text, and right-click. You should see the “Explain with Copilot” option in the context menu.

By completing these steps, you should have successfully enabled the “Explain with Copilot” feature in your Notepad application on Windows 11, ready to enhance your text analysis and understanding.

Utilizing Explain with Copilot in Notepad: A Practical Guide¶

Once you have ensured that “Explain with Copilot” is enabled in your Notepad application, using it is straightforward. Follow these steps to effectively utilize this AI-powered feature:

1. Open Notepad and Access Text: Launch the Notepad application. You can either open an existing text file containing the text you want to analyze or start with a blank document and paste the text into it. The text could be anything from code snippets and log files to document excerpts and notes.
2. Select the Text for Explanation: Identify the portion of text you wish to understand better. Use your mouse or keyboard to select this specific text segment within the Notepad document. The selected text will be sent to Copilot for analysis and explanation.
3. Right-Click and Choose “Explain with Copilot”: After selecting the text, right-click anywhere within the selected area. This action will open the context menu. From the context menu options, locate and click on “Explain with Copilot.” This option initiates the process of sending your selected text to Copilot for interpretation.
4. Confirm Sending to Chat: Upon selecting “Explain with Copilot,” a small pop-up window will appear. This window, titled “Send to chat?”, is a confirmation prompt asking for your consent to send the selected text to Copilot. Click the “Send” button to proceed. This action transmits your selected text to the Copilot service for analysis.
5. Review Copilot’s Explanation: Once you click “Send,” Copilot processes the text and generates an explanation. The explanation will appear in the Copilot sidebar, typically located on the right side of your screen. Scroll through the sidebar to read the complete explanation provided by Copilot. The explanation aims to clarify the meaning, context, and implications of the selected text.
6. Engage with Copilot for Further Clarification: Within the Copilot sidebar, you will find an “Ask Me Anything” field or similar text input area. If you require further clarification or have additional questions related to the explanation or the original text, you can type your questions in this field and press Enter or click Send. Copilot will then process your question and generate responses based on its understanding and online resources, providing you with deeper insights and more detailed information.

By following these steps, you can effectively use the “Explain with Copilot” feature in Notepad to gain a better understanding of various types of text, enhancing your productivity and learning directly within the application.

Accessing Copilot in Windows 11: Beyond Notepad¶

While “Explain with Copilot” in Notepad is a specific application of Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot is also available as a system-wide feature in Windows 11. You can access Copilot independently of Notepad to perform a wide range of tasks, from answering questions and summarizing information to creating content and controlling system settings. Understanding how to access and use Copilot across Windows 11 can significantly enhance your overall computing experience.

Methods to Launch Copilot in Windows 11¶

There are several convenient ways to launch Copilot in Windows 11, ensuring quick access whenever you need AI assistance:

1. Taskbar Icon: The most straightforward method to open Copilot is by clicking its icon on the taskbar. By default, the Copilot icon is pinned to the taskbar after installation and activation. Simply locate the icon, which typically resembles the Copilot logo, and click on it. This action will immediately open the Copilot sidebar, ready for your commands and queries.
2. Keyboard Shortcut (Win + C): Windows 11 provides a dedicated keyboard shortcut for launching Copilot. Press and hold the Windows key (Win) and then press the C key simultaneously (Win + C). This shortcut is a quick and efficient way to access Copilot from anywhere within Windows 11, without needing to move your cursor to the taskbar.
3. Context Menu Integration (Optional): While not a default method, Copilot can be added to the context menu on the Windows desktop for even quicker access. This customization allows you to right-click on the desktop and select “Copilot” from the context menu to launch it. This method provides an alternative way to initiate Copilot, especially useful for users who prefer context menu interactions. Adding Copilot to the context menu often requires using third-party tools or scripts to customize the Windows shell.

Using any of these methods will launch the Copilot sidebar, allowing you to interact with the AI assistant. Ensure that your Windows 11 is updated to a version that includes Copilot functionality. Access methods and availability may vary depending on your Windows update version and Insider Program participation.

Enabling Copilot System-Wide in Windows 11¶

To utilize Copilot across Windows 11, including features like “Explain with Copilot” in Notepad, you need to ensure that Copilot is enabled at the operating system level. The availability of Copilot depends on your Windows 11 version and update status. Here’s how to generally ensure Copilot is enabled or how to get it if it’s not yet available:

1. Keep Windows 11 Updated: Copilot is a feature that Microsoft is rolling out through Windows updates. Ensure your Windows 11 system is up to date with the latest updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install any pending updates to ensure you have the latest features and functionalities, including Copilot.
2. Windows Insider Program (For Early Access): If you want to access Copilot and related features like “Explain with Copilot” before they are widely released on stable Windows versions, join the Windows Insider Program, specifically the Beta Channel as mentioned earlier. Insider channels receive pre-release updates that often include new features like Copilot.
3. Check Taskbar Settings: In some cases, even after updates, the Copilot icon might not be visible on the taskbar. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” In the Taskbar settings, look for options related to Copilot or system tray icons. Ensure that the toggle for Copilot is turned on or that it is set to be visible.
4. Region and Language Settings: Copilot availability might be initially limited to certain regions and languages. Ensure your region and language settings in Windows are set to a supported region and language for Copilot. Check Microsoft’s official documentation for the latest information on region and language availability for Copilot.
5. Microsoft Account: Verify that you are signed in to Windows 11 with a Microsoft account. Some Copilot features and functionalities might require a Microsoft account for full access.

By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of having Copilot enabled and accessible on your Windows 11 system, allowing you to use features like “Explain with Copilot” in Notepad and leverage Copilot’s broader AI capabilities.

Unlocking the “Explain with Copilot” feature in Notepad on Windows 11 represents a significant step towards integrating AI into everyday productivity tools. By following this guide, users can enhance their ability to understand and interact with text, making Notepad more powerful than ever before.

Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts on using “Explain with Copilot” in the comments below!