Microsoft is testing new updates for the Notepad and Snipping Tool for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels on Windows 11.

Microsoft is Testing Autosave for Notepad & Snipping Tool in Windows 11

With this new update, Notepad is finally getting the most notable feature: Autosave. This feature will automatically save the session state on Notepad, allowing users to close the app without any interrupting dialogs. They can then pick up from where they left off the next time they open the app.

Further, Notepad will automatically restore previously open tabs as well as unsaved content and edits across those open tabs.

“Saved session state does not impact any of your files, though, and it is still your choice whether to save or discard unsaved changes to files anytime you close a tab,” Dave Grochocki, Principal Product Manager Lead – Windows Inbox Apps, wrote in the Windows Insider Program blog post.

If users wish to have a fresh start every time they open Notepad, they can turn off the autosave feature in app settings.

Besides Notepad, the Snipping Tool (version 11.2307.44.0) in Windows 11 is also getting updated. Microsoft is introducing the combined capture bar, making it easier for users to switch between capturing screenshots and screen recordings without opening the app.

“Use the Print Screen or Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcuts to open the capture bar for snipping, where you will continue to find the familiar snipping modes or try the new Win + Shift + R keyboard shortcut to open the capture bar for recording,” Grochocki added.

The Redmond giant has also introduced the ability to support third-party microphones for recording PC audio and voiceovers. If there are multiple recording devices, users can choose their preferred recording device before starting recording. Further, the new app settings allow users to configure the default audio recording settings for new screen recordings.

Microsoft also revealed an issue with the Snipping Tool where some users might unexpectedly see a pop-up dialog when taking a screenshot. It prompts the users to “Select an app to open this ‘ms-screenclip’ link.” Users need to select Snipping Tool if they view this dialog.

Microsoft has just started to roll out the above features in the Windows Insider Program’s Canary and Dev channels, so they may not be available to all Insiders. The company plans to monitor feedback from the community and see how the features work before rolling it out to everyone.