Bringing Back the Classic Notepad in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 has introduced a modernized version of Notepad, bringing new features inspired by apps like WordPad, Notepad++, and even AI tools. While these updates enhance functionality for some users, many prefer the simplicity and familiarity of the classic Notepad interface. If you’re one of those who miss the old-school text editor, you’ll be glad to know that it’s still possible to bring back the classic Notepad on Windows 11 — and this guide will show you exactly how.

How to Get Classic Notepad Back in Windows 11

With Windows 11, Microsoft replaced the traditional Notepad with a redesigned app that includes tabs, improved formatting, and cloud integration. However, the original classic Notepad (often referred to as “Notepad (system)”) is still present on most systems. The issue is that Windows 11 defaults to the new version whenever you search for “Notepad.” The good news? Both versions can coexist, and you can easily switch back to the classic one with a few simple steps.

Step 1: Check for Classic Notepad in Optional Features

Before making any changes, confirm that the classic Notepad is available on your system:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. In the left sidebar, click on System.
3. Scroll down and select Optional features.
4. Look through the list for an entry labeled “Notepad (system)”.

If it’s listed, the classic Notepad is already installed and ready to use. If not, you may need to reinstall it via optional features (though it’s typically present by default).

Step 2: Disable the New Notepad App Alias

To ensure that the classic version opens instead of the new one, you need to disable the app execution alias:

1. In Settings, go to Apps in the left sidebar.
2. Click on Advanced app settings.
3. Select App execution aliases.
4. Find the entry for Notepad and toggle the switch to Off.

This prevents Windows from automatically launching the new Notepad app when you search for it.

Step 3: Locate the Classic Notepad Executable

Now that the new Notepad is disabled, you can manually access the classic version:

1. Open This PC from your desktop or File Explorer.
2. Navigate to your main drive (usually C:).
3. Open the Windows folder.
4. Search for notepad.exe.
5. If you don’t find it in the main Windows folder, go into the System32 subfolder and look there.

The notepad.exe file you find is the classic Notepad executable.

Step 4: Run and Create a Shortcut for Classic Notepad

Once you’ve located notepad.exe:

1. Double-click the file to launch the classic Notepad.
2. To make access easier, right-click on notepad.exe.
3. Choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut), or drag it to your desktop while holding Alt to create a shortcut.

You now have direct access to the classic version.

Step 5: Pin Classic Notepad to Taskbar or Desktop

For even quicker access:

1. Right-click the notepad.exe file or the shortcut you created.
2. Select Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start.
3. Alternatively, copy the shortcut to your desktop or taskbar for one-click launching.

Now you can use the classic Notepad just like before — without interference from the new version.

Conclusion

While Windows 11 pushes users toward the modern Notepad app, the classic version remains accessible for those who prefer its simplicity. By disabling the app alias and locating the original executable, you can restore the familiar text editor and even pin it for easy access. Best of all, both versions can run side by side, giving you the freedom to choose which one to use. With just a few quick steps, you can reclaim the no-frills Notepad experience you’ve always relied on.