Microsoft’s Edit on Windows is a brand-new, lightweight command-line text editor designed to improve the developer experience on Windows PCs. If you’ve ever searched for a fast, easy-to-use CLI text editor that’s built into Windows and doesn’t require switching apps, Edit on Windows is the answer. This tool enables developers to edit files directly from the command prompt, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity without the complexity of traditional editors like vim.
Unveiled at Microsoft’s Build 2025 conference, Edit on Windows is an open-source project aimed at filling a long-standing gap: unlike 32-bit Windows versions, 64-bit editions currently lack a default command-line text editor. This lightweight editor, weighing less than 250KB, comes packed with features essential for modern development — including multi-file editing with quick switching via Ctrl + P, find-and-replace functionality with regex support, case matching, and word wrapping. Every menu option is accessible through intuitive keyboard shortcuts, enabling developers to stay in the flow without mouse interruptions.
Microsoft’s product manager Christopher Nguyen explains the motivation behind Edit on Windows: it’s meant to avoid the confusion newcomers face with modal editors like vim, which require memorizing different operation modes. Instead, Edit on Windows offers a modeless experience, making it accessible and efficient for both beginners and experienced coders. This approach aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing developer tools and productivity on the Windows platform.
In addition to Edit on Windows, Microsoft announced rebranding Windows Dev Home to Advanced Windows Settings, integrating developer-centric controls directly into Windows 11’s main settings interface. This update allows developers to customize their environment seamlessly, including enabling File Explorer integration with GitHub version control data, reinforcing Microsoft’s vision for a more connected and powerful developer ecosystem.
Edit on Windows will soon be available to Windows Insider program members, offering early access to test this new command-line editor. For developers eager to explore the code or contribute, Microsoft has shared the project on GitHub, encouraging community involvement to refine and expand its capabilities.
This launch marks a significant step in improving Windows developer tools, combining simplicity, speed, and powerful features that are essential for efficient coding workflows. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just getting started with command-line development on Windows, Edit on Windows promises to make file editing faster, easier, and more integrated than ever before. Stay tuned for its rollout to Windows Insiders and get ready to elevate your coding experience on Windows 11.
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