No Notepad

[blbock]

Hello -

After a recent update, Notepad is gone from my Win 11 desktop, like it was never there.  I need it because a proprietary software package I use for work has only two options for generated reports - a proprietary document viewer, and Notepad.  Notepad is far and away the better option.  I have Googled "Restore Notepad" until my eyes crossed, tried bunches of published solutions, watched a bunch of YouTubes, downloaded the installer from the MS Store, and rebooted the device a bunch of times - all to no avail.  Can anyone point me to a solution?

Thank you! -bb

[devHead]

Have you used any debloating scripts or apps on your Windows machine?  It's possible that could be the issue.  When you hit Start and type 'Notepad' does anything come up?  If you right click on a text file, what does it want to open in by default? 

[Skyfrog]

Maybe one of these methods will restore it: https://www.minitool.com/news/notepad-not-working-in-windows-11-fixed.html

You could also just copy notepad.exe from another Windows computer, like the Windows 10 version without all the AI junk.

Edited February 7 by Skyfrog

[blbock]

devHead -Thanks for the reply!  I was stunned to discover that, when I typed "Notepad" at the start menu search box per your post, Notepad was there, and now works including in my software package.  Not sure what juju was involved, but I have been chasing this for a couple months, with no joy.  Must be one of my poke-n-hopes worked.

 

C:\Windows\System32>dism /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Microsoft.Windows.Notepad.System~~~~0.0.1.0

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.26100.5074

Image Version: 10.0.26200.7705

[==========================100.0%==========================]
The operation completed successfully.

 

Thanks again!!

[binaryzero]

Pebkac...

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

On 07/02/2026 at 13:08, blbock said:

Hello -

After a recent update, Notepad is gone from my Win 11 desktop, like it was never there.  I need it because a proprietary software package I use for work has only two options for generated reports - a proprietary document viewer, and Notepad.  Notepad is far and away the better option.  I have Googled "Restore Notepad" until my eyes crossed, tried bunches of published solutions, watched a bunch of YouTubes, downloaded the installer from the MS Store, and rebooted the device a bunch of times - all to no avail.  Can anyone point me to a solution?

Thank you! -bb

How did you come to the conclusion that it was "gone"?

[blbock]

On 07/02/2026 at 12:27, Nik Louch said:

How did you come to the conclusion that it was "gone"?

Because Notepad.exe was missing from system32?

[blbock]

On 07/02/2026 at 10:47, binaryzero said:

Pebkac

Is that anything like an ID10T?  Very helpful!  Thanks!

[Nick H. Supervisor]

Just to be sure, if you hit Windows Key + r and then enter "notepad", nothing happens?

[blbock]

On 08/02/2026 at 10:42, Nick H. said:

Just to be sure, if you hit ctrl+r and then enter "notepad", nothing happens?

That's correct.  However, Win key + R, then "notepad", then OK, opens Notepad NOW,  It din't usedta...

Thanks!

[Nick H. Supervisor]

On 08/02/2026 at 15:52, blbock said:

That's correct.  However, Win key + R, then "notepad", then OK, opens Notepad NOW,  It din't usedta...

Thanks!

Yeah, sorry. I'm getting confused with my Windows shortcuts.

Glad it works, though. That means that the application is still there.

Next step is to pin it so that you can find it again without using the run function, then find out why it disappeared from your start menu.

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

On 08/02/2026 at 15:28, blbock said:

Because Notepad.exe was missing from system32?

Ok cool - so since it became a store app, they are stored elsewhere.

[erpster3]

On 08/02/2026 at 08:14, Nik Louch said:

Ok cool - so since it became a store app, they are stored elsewhere.

and that Notepad app was given a slightly modernized UI in the Win11 24H2/25H2 releases
here's the link to the MS store version of Notepad

now if you want the older & "classic" version of Notepad, read this.