14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is gradually rolling out new icons for Windows 10 apps, and after releasing a major update for a handful of items, it looks like the company is preparing another important update.
This time, it’s Notepad the app that’s getting a new icon, and the version published in the Microsoft Store provides us with an early look at its design.
Despite being a super-simple application, Notepad itself is a very popular tool, not only in Windows 10, but also in the previous versions of the operating system. This is because people use it for a wide variety of things, from writing down short notes to coding.
Microsoft has added several Notepad improvements in the most recent Windows 10 feature updates, including expanded line ending support, wrap around search, and warnings when closing the app with unsaved content, and the company seems very committed to continuing this approach in the long term.
Notepad in the Microsoft Store
As for why Notepad shows up in the Microsoft Store despite being offered as a pre-loaded Windows 10 app, it’s because Microsoft uses this distribution model to deliver updates more efficiently. Notepad landed in the Microsoft Store with the release of Windows 10 build 18963 in mid-2019.
“Notepad has been a well-loved text editor in Windows for over 30 years. Over the last few releases, we’ve been making a number of small improvements to Notepad based on your feedback (including expanded line ending support, wrap around search, and indicating when there’s unsaved content),” Microsoft said at that point.
“Starting with this build, we’re making a change so that future Notepad updates will be automatically available via the store. This will allow us the flexibility to respond to issues and feedback outside the bounds of Windows releases.”
The new Notepad icon is very likely to be followed by icon updates for other Windows 10 apps as well.