Microsoft recently released another Windows 10 21H2 “Sun Valley
Update” test build to testers in the Dev Channel.
Build 21337 includes several new features and it is also
the first build of the next feature update which makes Notepad
a separate Store-updateable application.
Windows 10’s Notepad app has got quite a bit of attention in
2020 when the tech giant updated it with a few new features. In
Build 21337 or newer, Notepad updates will be automatically
pushed via the Microsoft Store.
That’s a step in the right direction because it means you’ll be
able to get access to new Notepad features outside of the major
Windows 10 feature updates.
Notepad could soon become even better
Notepad has been included in Windows ever since Windows 1.0 and
it has been updated with every Windows release. According to
the official release notes, Notepad was last updated with
support for expanded line-ending, wrap-around search, and an
indicator for unsaved content.
By moving the famous text editor to Microsoft Store, it can now
be updated like any other store app and it won’t be tied to the
OS updates. It will also allow Microsoft to respond to issues
and feedback faster, and address the problems via separate
Store updates.
It’s worth noting that the Notepad update is limited only to
Windows 10’s Sun Valley test builds, which is the version that
is to be released in October/November. At the moment, it’s
unclear if Notepad will also receive updates via Windows Store
on older versions of the OS, such as version 21H1 and 20H2.
We also don’t know if there are any major features (dark mode?)
and improvements planned for Notepad. It also appears that
Notepad has been moved out of the Windows Accessories folder
and it will have its own place in the Start menu.
As long as Notepad is offered as a straightforward text editor
which doesn’t include unnecessary junk, the Store-update
support and new features shouldn’t be a problem for most users.
What do you think?
