Microsoft is killing off its free rich text editor WordPad at the end of 2023 in an effort to move users to its premium Office apps, or the company's free web-based versions.
While it’s not the most feature-rich app, WordPad is still a fun and simple tool for basic offline text editing. Starting with Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has decided to remove WordPad from its desktop operating system environment. Fortunately, you can still bring WordPad back to your PC through a fairly straightforward setup process.
Restore WordPad in Windows 11
The idea is simple: all you have to do is copy a bunch of files from the pre-Windows 11 24H2 version to the target system.
1. On a system running Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, go to C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories (copy the path and paste it into the address bar for quick access) and find 3 files: WordpadFilter.dll , wordpad.exe , and a localization folder (e.g. en -US ). If you don't have access to a computer running Windows 11 before version 24H2, download those files HERE .
2. Copy all three folders (there may be more if you installed multiple language packs) and move them to the target system. You can paste the files into any convenient folder.
3. Right-click the wordpad.exe file and select Show More Options > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) .
4. Copy or move the newly created shortcut and navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs .
5. Paste the shortcut and rename it if needed.
6. Open the Start menu , click " All Apps " and scroll down to find WordPad . Now, you can pin it to the Start menu or Taskbar.
You can now also set the restored WordPad as the default application for supported file formats, including RTF, ODT, XML, and TXT.
1. Right-click the file you want to open in WordPad and select Open With > Choose another app .
2. Select " Choose an app on your PC " in the " Select an app to open this file " window .
3. Navigate to the folder containing the WordPad file and select wordpad.exe .
4. Select Windows Wordpad Application and click Always .
That’s it. You can now use WordPad on systems running Windows 11 version 24H2 or later. However, keep in mind that Microsoft could also intervene in the system to prevent users from restoring WordPad, although that seems unlikely.
The Outlook Inbox Repair Tool fixes corrupted PST files quickly so you can recover emails and restore normal Outlook function. Follow these exact steps to run scanpst.exe without data loss.
Get the Adobe PDF Installer Offline to install Acrobat Reader on any PC without needing internet during setup. Follow these exact steps for the full standalone package.
Learn how to Chromecast from laptop to TV with this step-by-step guide. Stream browser tabs, videos, or your full screen from Windows or Mac to your TV in minutes.
Learn how to edit an Adobe PDF file in Adobe Acrobat with precise steps for text, images, and layout changes. Make professional edits quickly and save time.
Get your Free Foxit Reader Free Download from the official source with this step-by-step guide that ensures a safe and quick installation for viewing PDFs.
Learn how to get help in Windows 11 with built-in tools like the Get Help app and Quick Assist for fast, official support without third-party downloads.
Learn how to retract an Outlook email in Microsoft Outlook when you need to correct a mistake before the recipient opens it. Follow these precise steps for Exchange accounts.
Learn how to Chromecast in Samsung TV by connecting a Chromecast device and streaming from your phone or computer in just a few minutes.
Get the official Adobe Acrobat DC Reader free download safely. Follow this step-by-step guide to install the latest version for viewing and editing PDFs on Windows or Mac.
How to Update to Win 11 from Windows 10 safely with this detailed guide. Check requirements, run the upgrade, and enjoy new features and better security on compatible hardware.
