Highlights
Notepad’s getting an update that’s very simple but could be very useful for you and your team. Here’s what’s changing…
Ever opened Notepad and thought, “I wish I could make this text bold or add a heading”?
Probably not.
But Microsoft is quietly giving Notepad a subtle upgrade—and it might just make a difference. Especially if you use it for jotting down quick notes, meeting minutes, or team checklists.
Notepad has always been the simplest of tools. It opens instantly, saves fast, and stays out of your way. That’s exactly why so many people love it.
Now, Microsoft is testing a light touch of formatting features—things like bold and italic text, headings, hyperlinks, and even basic bullet points.
The idea isn’t to turn Notepad into Word. It’s about giving you just enough control to make your notes clearer and easier to scan.
How it works
The formatting is based on Markdown—a simple, widely used way to structure plain text using symbols. For example, wrapping a word in asterisks makes it bold.
It’s clean, lightweight, and doesn’t add any of the bulk you’d expect from a full word processor. And if you prefer the classic Notepad experience? You can turn formatting off completely.
Some worry that adding features like this could slow things down. But in this case, the changes are minimal and optional. It’s like swapping your biro for a fine-tip pen—not turning your notebook into a printing press.
Why it matters
With WordPad now officially retired, there’s a gap for something that sits between “plain text” and “full document.” For smaller businesses or teams without complex documentation systems, this could be a handy middle ground.
Better structure means clearer notes, faster communication, and fewer misunderstandings.
It’s not flashy—but it’s thoughtful. And it’s another sign that Microsoft is modernising even the most basic tools in Windows 11, without losing what made them useful in the first place.
Keep an eye out for the update. And next time you’re scribbling a to-do list, maybe give those bold headings a go.
Would you like help enabling Markdown or exploring other lightweight productivity tools?
Tell us about yourself so we can serve you best.
Got a question?
More articles
.png)
This special edition of our Leading London series brings together the partners behind the rollout of the City of London Corporation’s new unified network, a major upgrade designed to strengthen public services and improve connectivity across the Square Mile and beyond.
The panel included:
- Sam Collins, Assistant Director of Digital and Data, City of London Corporation
- Chelsea Chamberlin, Chief Technology Officer, Roc Technologies
- Scott McKinnon, Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks
- Rhod Morgan, Chief Operations Officer, Vorboss
- Elliot Townsend, Senior Director, Juniper Networks
- Christa Elizabeth Norton, Marketing Director, Roc Technologies
Together, they explored how the new network will improve public services, strengthen cyber resilience and support a more connected, future-ready City.
For many landlords and building managers, the word “wayleave” feels like the responsible route whenever a fibre circuit is being installed on their property. It sounds formal and safe – a neat legal box to tick.
In many cases, however, a wayleave adds unnecessary complexity and delays, frustrates tenants, and can expose landlords to long-term legal risks.
At Vorboss, we’ve connected thousands of office spaces across London without a wayleave, keeping landlords in full control and getting tenants online faster.
What is a wayleave?
A wayleave is a written agreement between a landowner and a telecoms operator. It gives the operator permission to install and keep equipment on private property.
What many people don’t realise is that signing a wayleave also activates “Code rights” under the Electronic Communications Code. These rights go beyond simple permission, they give the operator legal powers to stay on the property indefinitely, access it when needed, and even refuse removal of their equipment in certain situations.
For a typical connection into a commercial building in London, a wayleave can make the fibre installation process slower, more expensive, and limit the landlord’s flexibility long term.
Why a wayleave isn’t required for standard in-building fibre connections
For a standard in-building fibre connection serving a tenant, a wayleave isn’t a legal requirement. Important protections, like building access, fire safety, repairing any damage, and removing equipment, are already covered by the tenant’s lease and usual building rules.
If no wayleave is signed, no Code rights are triggered, meaning the landlord retains full control and the installation exists under a simple, fully revocable licence.
In practice, this gives landlords far more protection and flexibility:
- No legal lock-in – the telecoms operator has no long-term rights to stay or refuse removal.
- Landlords keep full control – equipment can be moved or removed when the building changes.
- Faster fibre installation – no time lost in drafting contracts or solicitor reviews.
- Happier tenants – connections go live quicker; tenants get to move in faster.
By contrast, signing a wayleave and granting Code rights introduces a complex and expensive legal process for any fibre removal or relocation. This can take at least 18 months, plus potential court or tribunal proceedings, making it slower, and far less flexible for the landlord.
.avif)
.avif)
