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Open Files in New Tabs in Notepad on Windows 11

With the recent builds, Microsoft added tabs to Notepad on Windows 11. This allows users to open multiple files within a single Notepad window, just like in a web browser. Instead of switching between multiple instances of Notepad, you can simply use tabs to switch between files.

If you want, you can configure Notepad to open all files in new tabs rather than new windows. That way, if you open multiple files, you don’t want to move between windows; you can use tabs to switch them. For instance, when you open a text file, it will automatically open in a new tab if the Notepad application is already open.

As you can guess, the ability to create, manage, and organize multiple files in a single Notepad window is really useful. In fact, it improves your productivity if you regularly use Notepad.

So, without delay, let me show you how to open files in tabs in Notepad on Windows 11 and take full advantage of the new feature.

Important note: To use tabs in Notepad, you should be running Windows 11 version 11.2212.33.0 or higher. If you are running lower versions, you will not have access Notepad tabs feature.

Open files in tabs in Notepad

Follow the below steps to set Notepad to open files in tabs.

  1. Press the “Start” icon on the taskbar.
  2. Search and open “Notepad.”
  3. Click on the “Settings” icon at the top.
  4. Select “Open in a new tab” from the “Opening files” dropdown menu.
  5. Close the Notepad application.
  6. With that, new files will open in new tabs in Notepad.

Steps with more details:

First thing, launch the Notepad. You can either search and open it from the Start menu or open a text file. Since the text file opens in Notepad by default, you will have access to it immediately.

Next, click on the “Settings” (gear) icon on the top-right corner of the Notepad window. This action opens the Notepad settings page.

open notepad settings

Once the Notepad settings page opens, select the “Open in a new tab” option from the “Opening files” dropdown menu.

enable notepad to open files in new tabs

The settings are automatically saved. You can close the Settings tab.

With that, any file you try to open with Notepad will automatically open in a new tab. If you want the file to be in a new window, you can either drag the top outside the current Notepad window or select “Open in a new window.”


That is all. It is that simple to open files in a new tab in Notepad on Windows.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.

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