Want to use WordPad on Windows 11? Learn how to restore the classic WordPad app on Windows 11 using two easy methods.
WordPad is the default and lightweight rich text editor for Windows. However, on Windows 11, Microsoft removed this classic app and slowly migrated some of its rich text and formatting features to Notepad. While the removal of WordPad doesn’t affect most Windows 11 users, if you are someone who uses WordPad to create rich and formatted text documents, you will likely miss it. Thankfully, restoring WordPad in Windows 11 is pretty easy.
In this quick and easy guide, I will show you two different methods to restore the classic WordPad application in Windows 11. Let’s get started.
Restore WordPad in Windows by Copying WordPad Files From Older Windows Versions
One of the easiest ways to restore WordPad in Windows 11 is to copy the WordPad files from older versions like Windows 10 or Windows 11 version 23H2 or lower. Here’s how to do it.
First, you will need access to the program files from either Windows 10 or a version of Windows 11 up to 23H2. If you don’t have another PC with one of these versions, install Windows 10 or Windows 11 v23H2 on a virtual machine and then follow the steps below.
In Windows 10 or Windows 11 v23H2, open File Explorer by pressing the “Windows key + E” shortcut. Next, go to the “C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories” folder.
Note: Alternatively, you can download the required WordPad files directly from this link. These files have been extracted from Windows 10. After downloading, right-click the ZIP file, select “Extract All”, and then click the “Extract” button. Open the extracted folder.
Now, copy the files listed below from this folder and paste them into the “C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories” folder on your Windows 11 computer.
- wordpad.exe
- WordpadFilter.dll
That is it. With that, you’ve restored WordPad in Windows 11. From now on, you can open WordPad by searching for it in the Start menu.
Restore WordPad in Windows 11 Using Classic WordPad Restorer App
While the first method is easy, it has a few downsides, such as missing file type integration and registry changes. If you require these, you can use a free app called WordPad restorer to quickly and easily restore WordPad on Windows 11. Here’s how.
First, go to this GitHub page, scroll down, and click the link next to “Classic WordPad“. This action downloads the installer file.
After downloading, open the File Explorer app by pressing the “Windows key + E” shortcut, find the downloaded file, and double-click it. Next, type “wordpad” in the blank field and press “Enter“.
That’s it. With that, you’ve restored the WordPad app on Windows 11. From now on, you can open WordPad from the Start menu. Additionally, you can also open the existing WordPad file (.rtf) directly.
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That is all. It is that simple to restore the classic WordPad app in Windows 11. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
