SideNote Pro introduces a native Windows 11 assistant that seamlessly integrates AI help into users’ workflows, offering customisable model choices and local data control for business users and knowledge workers.
SideNote Pro is positioned as a native Windows 11 assistant for people who want AI help without breaking their flow. According to the product site, the app sits beside the active programme rather than forcing users into a separate tab or service, and it can be summoned with a global keyboard shortcut. That design is intended to reduce context switching for users who need to work with text, screenshots, documents or folders while staying inside the task they are already doing.
The app’s core appeal is its Bring Your Own Key model. Rather than bundling model access, SideNote Pro connects to a user-chosen provider, including OpenAI-compatible services such as OpenAI, Ollama and LM Studio, as well as custom endpoints. The company says that gives users more control over security, model choice and costs, while keeping the application itself separate from any AI usage charges. The assistant can be docked, floated or pinned above other windows, and it remembers its size and position when reopened.
SideNote Pro also offers a small set of actions for selected text: summarise, rewrite, explain, translate and ask. The same workflow extends to documents in PDF, DOCX, TXT and Markdown formats, along with screenshots and local folders. The developer says folder indexing happens locally, with only relevant excerpts sent to the configured AI provider, and that conversation history is stored on the device with options for search, pinning, retention controls and export to Markdown. The company also says the product requires no account, collects no telemetry and does not serve advertising.
The application is limited to Windows 11 x64, which narrows its audience but also clarifies its focus. It is aimed at business users, technical writers, support staff, marketers and other knowledge workers who repeatedly move between tools and want inline AI help without a browser-first workflow. SideNote Pro is sold as a one-time purchase of $49 for individual use on up to two devices, with a 30-day trial, while business and enterprise licensing is available separately. For organisations weighing whether to adopt it, the main questions are likely to be whether the Windows-only approach fits their fleet and whether the chosen AI provider’s pricing and model support make the BYOK structure worthwhile.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
