By
Delia
/ Last
update
February 16, 2022
Microsoft has announced some new features that will soon be available in Windows 11. As part of the update, Microsoft redesigned two key applications. And now, after weeks of testing, the new Notepad and Media Player are finally being rolled out to all users.
Starting today, the new Notepad and Media Player will be available to all Windows 11 users through the Microsoft Store. Similar to the previously released updates to the native apps, the Notepad and Media Player apps are getting a smooth design makeover with rounded corner UI for windows or buttons.
For now, Microsoft is still keeping the classic versions of Notepad and Groove Music as default applications. The new Notepad and Windows Media Player will be installed on PC devices later this year or next year as the new pre-installed default apps.
New Notepad
A major design update to Notepad introduces a fluid design and WinUI revamp that brings the app in line with the rest of the Windows 11 interface. Microsoft has added rounded UI to the windows, buttons, and other areas of Notepad, and you can also expect better font access, new animations for drop-down menus, and more.
What's more, Notepad now has its own settings page, which allows users to customize fonts from a drop-down list. The settings page even lets you switch between dark, light, and system themes. While there's not much functionality yet, the settings page should become more useful when Microsoft adds more customization features.
It's also worth noting that Notepad retains its simplicity and users can still use features like "Find".
New Media Player
After nearly three months of testing the new Media Player, Windows Media Player is finally available to everyone on Windows 11. Media Player is replacing Groove Music, which was added as the default audio player with Windows 10.
Interestingly, Microsoft doesn't call the new Media Player the successor to the classic Windows Media Player, but rather touts it as a replacement for Groove Music. So the Movies and TV application remains unchanged for now to play media content.
How to Get New Notepad and Media Player
To download Notepad and Media Player, you will need Windows 11 Build 22000.346 or higher. If you are already using the latest production version of the operating system, then you can go to the Microsoft Store and check for updates to download these two new applications.
While the Notepad interface simply gets updated, Media Player requires data migration, which is done automatically if you are using Groove Music. After applying, you'll see that "Media Player" replaces Groove Music in your Start menu app list.
This should work for most devices, but there may be exceptions. If you are unable to update notepad and media player properly, please be patient and wait a little longer, as new versions of these two apps may be included in the major update of February.