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WordPad is no longer included in current Windows 11 installations. Microsoft removed it from Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, including the files wordpad.exe, write.exe, and wordpadfilter.dll. WordPad is still available on Windows 10 installations and Windows 11 versions released before 24H2, provided it has not been removed from the computer.
Before following the instructions below, check your Windows version. Press Win+R, type winver, and press Enter. You can also open Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications.
If you are running Windows 11 24H2 or later, use Microsoft Word for .rtf and other rich-text documents, or Notepad for plain-text .txt files. Microsoft does not provide WordPad as a normal Optional feature for these releases.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Which Windows versions include WordPad?
| Windows version | WordPad status | Recommended alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | Normally included, although standard support ended on October 14, 2025 | Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, or Notepad |
| Windows 11 before version 24H2 | Normally included | Microsoft Word or another word processor |
| Windows 11 version 24H2 and later | Removed from all editions | Word for rich text; Notepad for plain text |
Windows 10 may continue to run WordPad, but standard Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions no longer receive normal free security and feature updates. Long-Term Servicing Channel editions and computers covered by Extended Security Updates follow separate support arrangements.
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How to open WordPad
Use one of these methods on a Windows installation that still contains WordPad.
Open WordPad from Start
- Open Start.
- Select All apps.
- Scroll to Windows Accessories.
- Select WordPad.
On some Windows builds, opening Start and typing WordPad is quicker. Select the app when it appears in the search results.
Open WordPad with Run
- Press Win+R.
- Type
wordpadand press Enter. - If that does not work, try
write.exe.
write.exe is the older launcher name for WordPad. If both commands produce a “Windows cannot find” message, check your Windows version. On Windows 11 24H2 and later, the missing files are expected because WordPad has been removed.
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- Open File Explorer with Win+E.
- Browse to the document.
- Double-click it if WordPad is the default application.
- Otherwise, right-click the file, select Open with, and choose WordPad.
If WordPad is not listed under Open with, it may not be installed, or the computer may be running Windows 11 24H2 or a later release.
Understand the WordPad interface
WordPad uses three main tabs:
- File: New, Open, Save, Save as, Print, and Page setup commands.
- Home: Font, paragraph, clipboard, editing, and insertion tools.
- View: Display-related controls, such as zoom and the ruler.
The exact buttons can vary slightly between Windows builds, but the basic layout is the same.
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Create a WordPad document
- Open WordPad.
- Select File > New.
- Click in the document area.
- Type your text.
WordPad is suitable for short formatted documents, notes, simple letters, and documents containing basic pictures. It supports fonts, font sizes, colors, bold, italic, underlining, alignment, indentation, bullets, and line spacing. It is not a full replacement for Microsoft Word and cannot reliably preserve every Word or OpenDocument feature.
Format text
- Drag across the text you want to change.
- Open the Home tab.
- Choose a font, size, color, or text effect.
- Use the paragraph controls to set alignment, indentation, bullets, or line spacing.
Formatting applies to selected text. If nothing is selected, the formatting generally applies to text typed from the current insertion point onward.
Useful keyboard shortcuts include:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+C | Copy |
| Ctrl+X | Cut |
| Ctrl+V | Paste |
| Ctrl+A | Select all |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo |
| Ctrl+F | Find text, where supported by the build |
| Ctrl+H | Open Replace, where supported by the build |
Insert pictures and other content
On supported versions, open the Home tab to insert items such as:
- Pictures
- Paint drawings
- Date and time
- Objects from other applications
- Links to files
Embedded content may be lost if the document is later saved as plain text or converted through an application that does not support it. Save a copy in a rich-text format before experimenting with conversions.
Open an existing document
To open a file from WordPad:
- Select File > Open.
- Browse to the folder containing the document.
- Select the file.
- Choose Open.
WordPad can work with these common formats:
| Extension | What it contains | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
.txt |
Plain text | No fonts, colors, pictures, or rich formatting |
.rtf |
Rich Text Format | Best choice for basic formatting and compatibility |
| Microsoft Word document | Advanced Word features may be simplified or lost | |
.odt |
OpenDocument Text | OpenDocument-specific features may not survive editing |
WordPad supports only part of the DOCX, ODT, and RTF specifications. Headers, footers, annotations, advanced layouts, styles, fields, and tracked changes may be missing or displayed incorrectly. If the document is important, open and save it in Microsoft Word or a full-featured compatible office suite instead.
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Save a document in WordPad
Save a new document
- Select File > Save as.
- Choose the destination folder.
- Enter a filename.
- Select a format in Save as type.
- Select Save.
Save an existing document
Select File > Save, or use the Save button if it is visible. If the file was opened in a different format, WordPad may warn that some features cannot be saved. Read that warning before confirming.
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Choose the correct file type
- Rich Text Format (*.rtf): Use this when basic formatting must remain and compatibility is important.
- Word Document (*.docx): Use this when the recipient will work in Microsoft Word, but check the result because WordPad cannot preserve all Word features.
- OpenDocument Text (*.odt): Use this for OpenDocument-compatible office suites.
- Text Document (*.txt): Use this only when formatting, images, and embedded objects are unnecessary.
Do not convert a file by renaming its extension. Changing report.rtf to report.docx changes only the filename. It does not create a valid DOCX file. Use Save as or a document-conversion tool.
Print from WordPad
- Open the document.
- Select File > Page setup to configure margins, paper size, and orientation.
- Select File > Print.
- Choose the printer and required print options.
- Select Print.
What to do when WordPad is missing
After upgrading to Windows 11 24H2
There is normally nothing to repair. Microsoft removed WordPad from the Windows image beginning with Windows 11 version 24H2, rather than leaving it disabled as an Optional feature. The removed files include wordpad.exe, write.exe, and wordpadfilter.dll.
Use Microsoft Word for .rtf, .doc, and other rich-text documents. Use Notepad for .txt files. If you install another compatible editor, you can set it as the default application for a file type through Settings > Apps > Default apps.
Do not download a random WordPad installer
Microsoft does not provide a current WordPad installer for Windows 11 24H2 and later. Copying executables from another Windows installation or downloading them from an unofficial website is not an official or supported installation method. Such files can also be modified or bundled with unwanted software.
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Set the default app for RTF files
- Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Search for
.rtf, or select the file-type option and enter.rtf. - Select the current default application.
- Choose Microsoft Word or another installed RTF-capable editor.
On Windows 11 24H2 and later, this step is necessary because the built-in WordPad RTF reader is no longer present.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common WordPad problems
RTF files no longer open automatically
This is expected on Windows 11 24H2 and later. Install or use an RTF-capable application, then assign it under Settings > Apps > Default apps.
Formatting changes after opening a DOCX or ODT file
WordPad is a limited editor. Headers, footers, annotations, tracked changes, advanced styles, fields, and complex page layouts may be removed or changed when the file is opened or saved. Keep the original file and edit it in Word or a full OpenDocument application when those features matter.
Formatting disappeared after saving
Check whether the document was saved as .txt. Plain-text format cannot store font choices, colors, bold and italic formatting, images, or embedded objects. Save as .rtf or .docx when rich content must be retained.
WordPad appears in an old tutorial but not on the PC
The tutorial may have been written for Windows 10 or a pre-24H2 version of Windows 11. Check the version with winver; the Windows 11 label alone does not tell you whether WordPad is available.
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- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
FAQ
Is WordPad available in Windows 11?
Only on Windows 11 versions before 24H2. Microsoft removed WordPad from Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, including all editions.
Can I reinstall WordPad from Optional features?
Not through a normal Microsoft-provided Optional feature on Windows 11 24H2 or later. WordPad was removed from the Windows image, so use Microsoft Word or another compatible editor instead.
What is the Run command for WordPad?
On systems that still include it, press Win+R and run wordpad or write.exe.
What is the best WordPad format for preserving formatting?
Use Rich Text Format, or .rtf, for basic formatting and broad compatibility. Use .docx when the file will be edited in Microsoft Word, but expect advanced features to be unsupported by WordPad.
Can WordPad open DOCX files?
WordPad can open DOCX files on supported Windows versions, but it supports only a subset of Word’s features. Headers, footers, annotations, styles, tracked changes, and complex layouts may not be preserved.
What should I use instead of WordPad in Windows 11 24H2?
Use Microsoft Word or another full word processor for rich-text files such as RTF and DOCX. Use Notepad for plain-text TXT files.
The Bottom Line
WordPad remains straightforward to use on Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions before 24H2: open it with Start or wordpad, format text from the Home tab, and save as .rtf when basic formatting matters. It is not available in Windows 11 24H2 or later, and Microsoft does not offer an official reinstall package. On those releases, use Word for rich text and Notepad for plain text.
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