5 ways to take notes on Windows 11 without downloading software

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to take notes while working on your PC, the good news is that you don't need to download any software to do it. Windows offers a number of useful note-taking tools to quickly jot things down.

If your memory isn't that great, you can use these tools to remind yourself of important things while you work. Here are 5 easy ways to take notes on Windows 11 without downloading any software.

1. Using Notepad

5 ways to take notes on Windows 11 without downloading software
Windows 11 Notepad in dark mode

Notepad has long been a favorite app for taking notes offline on your PC. Its simplicity is loved by many, although since the release of Windows 11 , Notepad has added a few extra features to make your writing experience easier. Notepad now offers dark mode support, along with options to change font style and size.

Opening Notepad in Windows 11 is simple. The app comes pre-installed on all Windows devices. Press the Windows key to open the Start menu, then search for “Notepad.”

If you use the app often, you can create a desktop shortcut for quicker access. Navigate to the Start menu, click All Apps , and find Notepad in the alphabetical list. Then, drag the app to an empty space on the desktop to create a shortcut. You can also access Notepad faster by pinning the app to the Windows 11 Taskbar.

2. Notes on WordPad

5 ways to take notes on Windows 11 without downloading software
Blank WordPad document demonstrating formatting features

WordPad is another pre-installed app that offers a great way to take notes without downloading software. The app's simple design resembles Notepad, but it offers more advanced features - notably a rich text editor - to enhance your note-taking capabilities.

With the rich text editor, you can change font styles and colors, add bulleted lists, and highlight text. WordPad also offers the ability to send documents directly as email. Click File and select Send as email .

To access the app, go to the Start menu and search for “WordPad”. Files can be saved as plain text files (like those used in Notepad) or as rich text documents (.rtf) if you want to import your notes into other software.

3. Try Windows Sticky Notes

5 ways to take notes on Windows 11 without downloading software
Color Notes in Windows 11

While there are many great note-taking apps available for Windows , one of the best is provided directly by the operating system. Windows Sticky Notes is a note-taking app for quickly jotting down thoughts and ideas.

The app offers a clean and colorful way to take notes. You can tap the three dots on the top banner of a note to change its color and access your list of notes. Windows Sticky Notes is one of the most flexible ways to take notes. You can open multiple notes at once – press Ctrl + N to add a new note. You can also easily resize notes and drag them anywhere on your screen by clicking and dragging.

4. Take notes online with Memo Notepad

5 ways to take notes on Windows 11 without downloading software
Memo Notepad page

Another way you can take notes without downloading software is to use an online note-taking website. Memo Notepad is a simple, straightforward note-taking app with minimal but powerful features to help you write.

The text interface features basic formatting tools, including bold, underline, and italics. In the “Style” tab , you can change the font style and increase the overall text size. The app’s cloud-based technology allows for syncing across multiple devices, so you can take notes wherever you go.

5. Use Windows Clipboard to save text snippets

5 ways to take notes on Windows 11 without downloading software
Show Windows clipboard history

Whether you're multitasking or doing online research, you'll often come across bits of information that you need to remember. The good news is that with the Windows Clipboard feature, you no longer have to rely on writing things down on the back of your hand.

The Windows Clipboard is a tool for storing short snippets of text, even when you restart your computer. There are no prerequisites needed to start using this feature - Windows saves information to the clipboard automatically. Select any text you want to save, right-click, and press Copy .

You can access the clipboard at any time by using the shortcut Ctrl + V . For the most important pieces of information, you can pin notes by tapping the small pin icon. Now you don't have to remember pieces of information when browsing online.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to remove Copilot and other AI features in Windows

How to remove Copilot and other AI features in Windows

If you don't care about having extra bloatware on your system, there are ways to remove or disable Windows Copilot on Windows 11.

10 Windows 11 settings to maximize laptop battery life

10 Windows 11 settings to maximize laptop battery life

Laptop batteries degrade over time and lose capacity, resulting in less battery life. But after tweaking some deeper Windows 11 settings, you should see a significant improvement in battery life.

Microsoft spams Copilot QR codes on Windows 11 lock screen to lure users

Microsoft spams Copilot QR codes on Windows 11 lock screen to lure users

The year 2023 saw Microsoft betting heavily on artificial intelligence and its partnership with OpenAI to make Copilot a reality.

Microsoft details Bluetooth LE Audio requirements and support for Windows 11, 10

Microsoft details Bluetooth LE Audio requirements and support for Windows 11, 10

Microsoft introduced Bluetooth LE (low energy) Audio support with Windows 11 22H2 KB5026446 (build 22621.1778), also known as Moment 3, in May 2023.

Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11

Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 11 has officially launched, compared to Windows 10 Windows 11 also has many changes, from the interface to new features. Please follow the details in the article below.

What a Classic 90s-Style Windows 11 Interface Would Look Like

What a Classic 90s-Style Windows 11 Interface Would Look Like

There's always something incredibly cool about the nostalgic user interface of 90s versions of Windows.

Microsoft: TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 is mandatory and non-negotiable

Microsoft: TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 is mandatory and non-negotiable

More than three years ago, when Microsoft announced Windows 11, the operating system immediately caused a lot of controversy.

2 ways to create Windows 11 bootable USB using Mac

2 ways to create Windows 11 bootable USB using Mac

Creating a Windows 11 bootable USB on a Mac is definitely more difficult than on a Windows PC, but it's not impossible.

Should I update Windows 11 now?

Should I update Windows 11 now?

Windows 11 officially launched on October 5, 2021. Unlike previous major Windows 10 upgrades, Microsoft is not encouraging people to upgrade this time.

Super slimmed down Windows 11 version is just over 100MB in size

Super slimmed down Windows 11 version is just over 100MB in size

Developer NTDEV has created a stripped down version of Windows 11 that's just 100MB.

More Windows 11 PCs Will Soon Get AI Copilot+

More Windows 11 PCs Will Soon Get AI Copilot+

Microsoft debuted most of its more advanced AI features with the Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PC, leaving many Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs out of the picture.

Windows 11 Market Share Is Quickly Catching Up to Windows 10

Windows 11 Market Share Is Quickly Catching Up to Windows 10

The October 2024 report provides an overview of Windows 11's market share compared to other versions of Windows.

Windows 11 will make a much-needed change to the Start menu

Windows 11 will make a much-needed change to the Start menu

The latest change being tested solves one of the most annoying things with Windows 11's Start menu, and hopefully it will actually make it to release.

How to hide/unhide the Taskbar on Windows 11

How to hide/unhide the Taskbar on Windows 11

In Windows 11, the taskbar takes up only a small portion of the display space at the bottom of the screen.

How to Restore WordPad in Windows 11

How to Restore WordPad in Windows 11

Microsoft is killing off its free rich text editor WordPad at the end of 2023 in an effort to transition users to premium Office apps.

How to fix “Well Need Your Current Windows Password” error on Windows 10/11

How to fix “Well Need Your Current Windows Password” error on Windows 10/11

Are you getting the “We'll need your current Windows password one last time” error? This annoying pop-up can prevent you from getting things done.

Quickly fix Unmountable Boot Volume error on Windows 10/11

Quickly fix Unmountable Boot Volume error on Windows 10/11

The Unmountable Boot Volume error occurs due to some installed software conflicting with the operating system or due to the computer suddenly shutting down,... In the article below, WebTech360 will guide you through some ways to fix this error.

How to Fix Clipboard History Error in Windows 11 Latest Update

How to Fix Clipboard History Error in Windows 11 Latest Update

If you use Clipboard History to store data for later use, there is a small chance that the data will remain empty no matter what you try.

How to remove Copilot and other AI features in Windows

How to remove Copilot and other AI features in Windows

If you don't care about having extra bloatware on your system, there are ways to remove or disable Windows Copilot on Windows 11.

Why is the laptop battery percentage estimate never accurate?

Why is the laptop battery percentage estimate never accurate?

Most laptop users have encountered a situation where Windows shows 2 hours of battery life left, then five minutes later it jumps to 5 hours or even 1 hour. Why does this time jump around like that?

10 Windows 11 settings to maximize laptop battery life

10 Windows 11 settings to maximize laptop battery life

Laptop batteries degrade over time and lose capacity, resulting in less battery life. But after tweaking some deeper Windows 11 settings, you should see a significant improvement in battery life.

Microsoft: PCs running Windows 11 21H2/22H2 will be forced to update to 23H2 next month

Microsoft: PCs running Windows 11 21H2/22H2 will be forced to update to 23H2 next month

Windows 11 version 21H2 is one of the major original releases of Windows 11 that began rolling out globally on October 4, 2021.

Microsoft spams Copilot QR codes on Windows 11 lock screen to lure users

Microsoft spams Copilot QR codes on Windows 11 lock screen to lure users

The year 2023 saw Microsoft betting heavily on artificial intelligence and its partnership with OpenAI to make Copilot a reality.

How to Disable User Accounts on Windows 11

How to Disable User Accounts on Windows 11

You can disable User Accounts so that others can no longer access your computer.

Buying a Windows laptop is harder than ever

Buying a Windows laptop is harder than ever

Is the NPU different enough to delay purchase and wait for the PC Copilot+ to become mainstream?

How to turn on and off battery saving mode on Windows 11 laptop

How to turn on and off battery saving mode on Windows 11 laptop

Windows 11's Battery saver mode is a feature designed to extend laptop battery life.

Microsoft Launches New Sticky Notes App for Windows 11

Microsoft Launches New Sticky Notes App for Windows 11

After keeping things the same for years, the Sticky Note update in mid-2024 changed the game.

How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error on Windows

How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error on Windows

The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error is a memory-related error that typically occurs when a system process or driver attempts to access a memory address without proper access permissions.

6 Ways to Copy File and Folder Paths in Windows 11

6 Ways to Copy File and Folder Paths in Windows 11

Paths are the locations of files or folders in Windows 11. All paths include the folders you need to open to get to a specific location.

Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11

Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 11 has officially launched, compared to Windows 10 Windows 11 also has many changes, from the interface to new features. Please follow the details in the article below.