If you’ve found yourself in a situation where Notepad not opening on your Windows 11 computer, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It can be frustrating when a simple tool like Notepad doesn’t work as expected. Fortunately, there are several straightforward solutions you can try to get Notepad up and running again on the Windows operating system.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through different troubleshooting methods to fix Notepad not opening on Windows 11. From basic troubleshooting like restarting your PC to more advanced methods like repairing the application, we’ve got you covered. So let’s discuss them one by one.
Ways to Fix Notepad Not Opening on Windows 11
There can be several reasons why Notepad is not opening on your Windows 11 system. Here are some effective methods to resolve the issue of Notepad not opening on Windows 11.
1. Try out Alternative Methods to Open Notepad
Trying alternative ways to open Notepad can be helpful when it’s not working on your Windows PC. Sometimes, the usual methods have issues. When you use alternative paths, like searching for Notepad in the Start menu or opening it through Windows File Explorer, you might avoid those problems.
Luckily, we have a detailed guide for you on how to open Notepad in Windows 11. Read this blog, and you will find all possible alternative methods to launch Notepad in Windows. You can follow them one by one and check which one fixes your problem. If none of the methods to open Notepad work, then you can try other troubleshooting methods.
2. Restart your PC
Restarting your PC can fix Notepad not opening because it clears temporary glitches and resets system processes. When you restart, it closes all running programs and refreshes the system, often resolving issues that might have prevented Notepad from working.
It’s like giving your computer a fresh start, which can often make Notepad open and function correctly. Follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start button and select Power.
2. After that, choose Restart from the options.

3. Launch Notepad from File Explorer
When you navigate to the Notepad executable file (notepad.exe) within the Windows directory, it bypasses potential problems with shortcuts or system menu entries. This method provides a direct and reliable way to open Notepad, making it a useful alternative when the usual methods fail to function.
Follow these steps to launch Notepad from File Explorer:
1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Navigate to the following location or copy and paste the path on the File Explorer address bar.
C:\Windows\System32
3. Scroll down to find Notepad and double-click on it.

This will open Notepad on your system. However, if this method also does not fix the issue, you can try out other methods.
4. Enable Background Permission for Notepad
Enabling background permissions for Notepad can fix the issue of it not opening by allowing it to run smoothly in the background. Sometimes, security or system settings may restrict apps from running freely, causing Notepad to fail.
By granting background permissions, you ensure that Notepad has the necessary access to function correctly, addressing potential obstacles and allowing it to open without hindrance.
Here’s how to enable background permission for Notepad:
1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
2. In Settings click on Apps on the left sidebar and select Installed Apps.

3. Scroll down and locate Notepad. Or, search for the Notepad on the search bar.
4. Now, click on three dots corresponding to Notepad and select Advanced options from the context menu.

5. Under the Background Apps permissions section, click on the drop-down menu and select Always.
6. Restart your PC and check if Notepad is opening now.

5. Repair and Reset Notepad
Repairing and resetting Notepad can fix the issue of it not opening by addressing any corrupted or misconfigured settings. Repairing attempts to fix any problems within the app itself, while resetting returns Notepad to its default state, eliminating any issues caused by customization.
To repair and reset your Notepad, follow these steps:
1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Then navigate to Apps > Installed apps > Notepad > Advanced options
3. Under the Reset option, you will get the option to Repair and Reset Notepad. First, click on Repair and then Reset.
Note
This process might take some time to reset Notepad to its default state, so be patient.
4. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

After that, try to open Notepad; this should fix the problem. However, if you are unable to fix it by resetting it to default, there might be an issue with system files.
6. Run SFC and DISM scan
Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan can help fix any corrupted system files that may be affecting Notepad.
After completing both scans, restart your computer, and then try opening Notepad again. These steps should help resolve any issues related to corrupted system files.
Follow these steps to run the SFC and DISM scan:
1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power Menu.
2. Then select Terminal (Admin) from the given options.

3. Now, you will get the command line interface. Here, you need to type the following command and press the Enter key.
sfc /scannow

4. Wait for the scan to complete, and then run the following command and press Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once the DISM scan is finished, restart your PC and try opening Notepad.
7. Set Notepad as the Default Text Editor
If you are using another note-taking app like Notepad++ as the default text editor, you may still encounter the same issue. Setting Notepad as the default text editor can resolve the problem of it not opening by ensuring that it’s the primary program for opening text files. Occasionally, other apps can take over, leading to conflicts.
By designating Notepad as the default, Windows prioritizes it when you open text files, reducing the likelihood of issues. This simple adjustment can often make Notepad open and work seamlessly when it previously didn’t.
To set Notepad as the default text editor, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Windows icon to open the search menu.
2. Now, in the search bar type default apps and click to open Default apps from the search results.

3. In the Default Apps menu scroll down and locate Notepad.

4. Here you can set Notepad as the default app for many file formats. We will be focussing on making Notepad the default Text Editor. Click on the app appearing below the .txt option.

5. From here select Notepad and click on Set Default. Similarly, you can set Notepad as default for other file formats

8. Reinstall Notepad
If all else fails, you can consider reinstalling Notepad. It is recommended to save any file on which you are working as this step may remove all the Notepad files.
To reinstall Notepad follow these steps:
1. Firstly we will be uninstalling Notepad, to do so, first Search for Installed apps in the search menu.
2. Then, click on Installed Apps settings from the search results.

3. In the Installed apps scroll and locate Notepad. Click on the three dots and select the Uninstall option. Windows will ask for confirmation, to confirm again click on Uninstall Notepad.

4. Now we have removed Notepad from our PC, let’s move ahead and install it again.
5. Launch Microsoft Store and search for Notepad in the search bar. From the search results, click on Windows Notepad.

6. Click on Get and Notepad will start downloading. Windows will now automatically download and install the Notepad on your PC.

Try opening Notepad again, this time it should open and work fine.
Conclusion
These are the methods you can try to fix Notepad not opening on your Windows 11. Start by attempting alternative methods to open Notepad, such as using the Run dialog or Command Prompt. Restarting your PC can also help resolve any temporary glitches.
If these methods don’t work, you can try repairing and resetting Notepad. That’s it. I hope this guide was helpful to you