Windows 11 brings several exciting updates to its core applications, and Notepad is no exception. With new features like dark mode, a modernized interface, and AI-powered text editing, the app is evolving to meet the needs of today’s users. However, while these updates are welcomed by many, some users still prefer the simplicity and straightforwardness of the classic Notepad. If you’re one of those who prefer the old version without the AI-driven enhancements, don’t worry, restoring the classic Notepad on Windows 11 is easy.
The classic Notepad has always been known for its lightweight design, simplicity, and lack of unnecessary features. It’s perfect for quick edits, basic text processing, and writing without the distractions of advanced options or AI-powered modifications. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to restore the classic Notepad on Windows 11.
How to Restore Old Notepad Without AI on Windows 11
With the recent updates, Microsoft has introduced AI-powered features that can automatically edit your text, making it longer, shorter, or even more formal by sending your text to Microsoft’s servers. While this can be useful for some, it raises privacy concerns for users who prefer to keep their data local.
If you are one of those, then you can follow these steps to restore the old Notepad:
1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on the Apps option.
3. In the right pane, select Advanced app settings.
4. Click on App execution aliases.
5. Scroll down the list of apps and turn off the toggle next to the Notepad app.
6. Now, you can run the old version of Notepad from the Run dialog. To do this, press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
7. Type notepad.exe in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
8. The classic version of Notepad will open on your screen.
The classic Notepad remains a beloved tool for many Windows users due to its simplicity and reliability. While Windows 11’s updated version brings modern features, restoring the old Notepad ensures a distraction-free, lightweight experience for those who prefer it.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily bring back the old Notepad and continue using it on your Windows 11 system.
