How to Fix Notepad Not Opening on Windows 11

Windows 11 introduced an updated version of Notepad with a tabbed interface and a fresh look. While this new Notepad offers more functionality, some users have encountered issues where the app won’t open. If you’re facing the same problem, follow these steps to fix it.

1. Restart Your Windows 11 PC
The simplest solution to fix Notepad not opening is to restart your computer. Temporary bugs and glitches can prevent apps from launching. Restarting your PC clears these temporary issues.

– Click the Start button > Power Menu > Restart.
– Alternatively, press ALT + F4 on the desktop screen, select Restart, and click OK.

After the restart, try opening Notepad again.

2. Restart the Windows Explorer Process
While Windows Explorer isn’t directly related to Notepad, if it’s unresponsive, it can prevent apps from opening. Restarting Windows Explorer can resolve this issue.

1. Open Task Manager by typing it in the search bar.
2. Go to the Processes tab.
3. Find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.

3. Close Alternative Word Processing Apps
If you’re using other apps like Notepad++ or similar, they might conflict with Notepad. Close any alternative apps to prevent interference.

– Open Task Manager, locate the alternative app, right-click on it, and select End task.

Then, try launching Notepad again.

4. Launch Notepad from System32/SysWOW64 Folder
If Notepad isn’t opening from the Start menu or search, try launching it directly from its system folder.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to `C:\WINDOWS\System32` for 32-bit systems or `C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64` for 64-bit systems.
3. Double-click the Notepad file to launch it.

5. Perform a Clean Boot
Background services or processes might be preventing Notepad from opening. Performing a clean boot can help isolate the problem.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In System Configuration, go to the Services tab.
3. Check Hide All Microsoft Services, then click Disable All.
4. Open Task Manager, switch to the Startup tab, and disable all startup programs.
5. Restart your PC.

After the restart, try opening Notepad. If it works, you’ll need to identify and remove the conflicting program.

6. Update Windows 11
Sometimes system bugs prevent apps from opening. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date to fix any such issues.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update > Check for updates.
3. Install any pending updates.

7. Run SFC & DISM Commands
Corrupted system files might be causing the issue. Running SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) commands can repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
3. If errors are found, also run the following DISM commands:
– `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth`
– `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth`
– `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`

After running these commands, restart your PC.

8. Repair or Reset the Notepad App
If Notepad is still not working, try repairing or resetting the app.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Notepad, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced Options.
4. Click Repair. If that doesn’t work, select Reset.

9. Reinstall the Notepad Application
If repairing or resetting didn’t help, you may need to reinstall Notepad.

1. Open Search and type Optional Features.
2. Open Optional Features and search for Notepad (system).
3. Click Uninstall.
4. Click View Features and search for Notepad** in Add an Optional Feature.
5. Select it and click Install.

Additional Options
– System Restore: If you have system restore points, try restoring your PC to an earlier time when Notepad was working.
– Reset PC: If none of the above methods work, you might consider resetting your Windows 11 PC as a last resort.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the Notepad not opening issue on your Windows 11 PC. Learn More