To have Notepad reopen your previous session in Windows 11, open Notepad, go to its Settings, and choose Continue previous session under When Notepad starts. The option lives inside Notepad itself, not in Windows Settings, and its exact label can differ depending on the Notepad version installed on your PC.
Steps to resume your previous Notepad session
- Select Start, type Notepad, and select Notepad from the results.
- In the Notepad window, select the gear-shaped Settings control.
- Find and expand When Notepad starts.
- Select Continue previous session.
- Close Notepad and open it again to confirm that your earlier tabs and content come back.
Microsoft’s general Help in Notepad page explains how to launch the app, but it does not document this startup setting. The directions above come from an accepted answer by an independent advisor in the Microsoft Learn Q&A thread on Notepad staying open after shutdown, and they match a separate walkthrough by Windows Central that lists the same startup options.
Choosing between the two startup options
The same When Notepad starts section offers two behaviors with very different results, so check which one is selected before you close the app.
| Setting | What Notepad does on launch | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Continue previous session | Reopens the earlier workspace, including its tabs and unsaved text from the last session | You want to pick up where you left off |
| Start new session and discard unsaved changes | Opens a clean window and discards unsaved text from the last session | You want a blank start and do not need the previous text |
What resuming a session does not do
A resumed session is not a saved file. Unsaved text is kept only as part of Notepad’s session state, so it is not a backup. Save anything important as a file with Ctrl+S rather than relying on restored tabs.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
If the option is missing or the wording differs
- Check which version of Notepad you have in its Settings, then update Notepad through the Microsoft Store if it is out of date.
- Look for equivalent wording. Some versions may use slightly different labels for the same two behaviors.
- Avoid registry edits to force the option. The sources used here do not describe a registry method, and speculative system changes are hard to undo.
No minimum Notepad or Windows build for this setting is documented in the sources, so the exact version threshold is not established. Treat the steps above as the expected path rather than a guarantee on every device.
Use Continue previous session when you want your last workspace back, and use the clean-start option when you want a fresh window. Either way, save important work as a file.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
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