Microsoft Introduces New 64-Bit Lightweight Command Line Tool for Windows 11
Microsoft has quietly added a small yet significant upgrade for power users and developers. The company has introduced a new 64-bit lightweight command line tool that will ship with Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2, aiming to make text editing inside the terminal faster and simpler than ever.
This new tool, simply named Edit, replaces the old MS-DOS-based editor that never made it into 64-bit Windows. It’s sleek, modern, and designed to blend smoothly with the current Windows command line experience.
A Modern Replacement for a Missing Classic
For years, 64-bit versions of Windows lacked a native text editor inside the command prompt. Users either had to open Notepad separately or install third-party programs. With Edit now becoming a built-in option, that gap finally closes.
The tool is minimal in design but surprisingly capable. It supports syntax highlighting, quick navigation keys, find and replace, and word wrapping, while keeping the overall file size incredibly small. Everything loads instantly within the terminal window, without the need for additional configuration.
Why Developers Will Appreciate It
Anyone who spends time inside Windows Terminal or Command Prompt knows how annoying it can be to jump between GUI apps and the console. Edit eliminates that friction. It allows users to view, create, and modify text files right inside the command line, whether they are editing a configuration file or tweaking a batch script.
Unlike heavy editors or code environments, Edit stays lightweight. It’s a no-distraction tool for quick fixes the kind of convenience that saves time during scripting, server management, or development.
Built for 64-Bit Systems
The previous MS-DOS Edit was a 16-bit program that could not run on modern 64-bit systems. Microsoft’s new version is built entirely from the ground up for today’s architecture.
This not only ensures compatibility but also takes advantage of Windows Terminal improvements like better Unicode support, higher resolution scaling, and smooth cursor rendering.
Key Highlights of Edit
Here’s what makes Edit stand out from older command line tools:
- Fully compatible with 64-bit Windows 11 builds
- Simple text interface that opens instantly inside Command Prompt or PowerShell
- Support for multiple open files in the same session
- Word wrap, copy-paste, and modern shortcut keys
- Search and replace functions with regex compatibility
- Tiny size (under 250 KB), ensuring near-zero memory overhead
Even though it looks simple, Edit fits neatly into Microsoft’s growing lineup of open-source developer utilities.
Gradual Rollout with 24H2 and 25H2 Updates
Microsoft has already started shipping the new tool to users enrolled in the Windows Insider Program. Regular users are expected to get it as part of Windows 11 24H2 and the upcoming 25H2 feature update later this year.
Early testers describe it as “fast, clean, and nostalgic” a fitting nod to the original command line tools that shaped Windows in its early days.
A Step Toward a Smoother Developer Experience
The move fits perfectly into Microsoft’s ongoing effort to make Windows more developer-friendly. Over the past few years, the company has introduced new versions of Windows Terminal, Dev Home, and tighter GitHub integrations.
Adding a native, responsive text editor is another step toward creating an all-in-one environment for developers who prefer staying inside the command line.
For everyday users, this might seem like a small addition, but for developers, system administrators, and IT professionals, it’s a quality-of-life improvement that removes one more friction point in daily work.
What To Expect Next
Microsoft is likely to expand Edit’s features through future updates. Early feedback suggests requests for syntax color themes, line numbers, and tabbed sessions. The company has already hinted that the tool’s source code will remain open to community contributions, meaning third-party developers can help shape its evolution.
If things go as planned, Edit could become as iconic to modern Windows as Notepad was to the classic era.