Windows Now Has AI-Powered Copy and Paste

Microsoft has revolutionized the humble clipboard with a powerful new feature in PowerToys for Windows 11. Introducing Advanced Paste, an AI-powered tool designed to transform your clipboard content seamlessly. Whether you're translating code, converting text formats, or rewriting prose, Advanced Paste leverages AI to streamline and enhance your workflow.

Unlocking the Power of AI in Your Clipboard

Advanced Paste is part of the latest PowerToys version 0.81, and it's designed to make your life easier by automating clipboard transformations. To access this feature, you simply need to enable it and then use the key command: Windows Key + Shift + V. This command opens the Advanced Paste text window, offering several paste conversion options such as plaintext, markdown, and JSON.

Key Features of Advanced Paste:

• Plaintext Conversion: Strips away all formatting, leaving you with clean text.

• Markdown Conversion: Converts text into markdown format, useful for writing and editing content for the web.

• JSON Conversion: Ideal for developers, this feature converts clipboard content into JSON format.

AI-Enhanced Capabilities

What truly sets Advanced Paste apart is its AI functionality. By enabling the Paste with AI option in the Advanced Paste settings, you can transform your clipboard content in more sophisticated ways. This includes:

• Text Summarization: Condense long passages into shorter summaries.

• Translations: Translate text from one language to another instantly.

• Code Generation: Convert code snippets between different programming languages.

• Style Rewriting: Change the tone of your text, such as rewriting from casual to professional.

• Creative Formats: Fun transformations like Yoda syntax for a playful touch.

To use these AI-enhanced features, you'll need to enter an OpenAI API key in PowerToys. If you don't already have credits for your OpenAI account, you'll need to purchase them separately. It's important to note that these API credits are distinct from a paid ChatGPT account.

Advanced Paste window. Image: Microsoft

Getting Started with Advanced Paste

To start using Advanced Paste, follow these simple steps:

1. Update PowerToys: Ensure you have the latest version (0.81 or later) installed.

2. Enable Advanced Paste: Go to the PowerToys settings and turn on the Advanced Paste feature.

3. Add OpenAI API Key: In the Advanced Paste settings, enter your OpenAI API key.

4. Activate with Key Command: Use Windows Key + Shift + V to open the Advanced Paste window and choose your desired conversion.

Why You Should Consider Advanced Paste

Efficiency and Productivity

Advanced Paste can significantly speed up your workflow. For example, developers can quickly translate code between languages without manually reformatting it. Writers can effortlessly switch between different text styles or summarise content for quick reviews.

Versatility

Whether you are a developer, writer, student, or professional, Advanced Paste offers a range of functionalities tailored to diverse needs. Its ability to convert and transform text on the fly makes it a versatile tool for anyone who frequently works with text.

Integration with Existing Tools

Since Advanced Paste is part of PowerToys, it integrates smoothly with Windows 11, allowing you to enhance your clipboard's capabilities without needing additional software.

Conclusion

Microsoft's Advanced Paste in PowerToys for Windows 11 is a game-changer for anyone who regularly uses their clipboard. By integrating AI to handle complex text transformations, it saves time and boosts productivity. While it does require OpenAI API credits for its most advanced features, the investment is worthwhile for the added efficiency and versatility.

For those ready to elevate their clipboard functionality, updating to the latest PowerToys and enabling Advanced Paste is a step toward a smarter, more efficient workflow.