09-09-2024, 11:50 AM
How to Open and Use the Old Notepad App in Windows 11
Windows 11 includes a revamped version of the Notepad app with new features. However, some users may prefer the classic version of Notepad for its simplicity and speed. This guide will show you how to open and use the old Notepad app in Windows 11.
Step 1: Access the Old Notepad via Optional Features
1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Apps.
3. Scroll down and select Optional features.
Step 2: Install the Old Notepad (if needed)
1. In the Optional Features window, scroll down to the Installed features section and search for Notepad.
2. If Notepad is not installed, click Add a feature at the top of the window.
3. In the search bar, type Notepad and select it from the list.
4. Click Install to add the old version of Notepad to your system.
Step 3: Open Old Notepad Using the Run Dialog
If the modern Notepad app is installed but you want to access the old version, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type notepad.exe and press Enter.
3. The old Notepad app will open, ready for you to use.
Step 4: Pin the Old Notepad to Start or Taskbar (Optional)
If you frequently use the old Notepad and want quick access, you can pin it to the Start menu or taskbar:
1. Right-click on the notepad.exe application when it's open.
2. Select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar for easy access.
Step 5: Use the Old Notepad for Basic Tasks
1. The old Notepad app retains all of its classic features, including basic text editing, word wrapping, and Find/Replace functionality.
2. You can open or save files in text format (.txt) by going to File > Open or File > Save As.
3. To use basic editing tools, go to the Edit menu for options like Cut, Copy, Paste, and Undo.
Step 6: Set Old Notepad as the Default App for Text Files (Optional)
If you want to use the old Notepad app as the default application for opening text files:
1. Right-click on any `.txt` file and select Open with > Choose another app.
2. In the list of apps, select Notepad (the old version).
3. Check the box that says Always use this app to open .txt files.
4. Click OK.
Step 7: Use Old Notepad via Compatibility Mode (Optional)
If you experience issues with the old Notepad version, you can try running it in compatibility mode:
1. Right-click on the Notepad.exe file in C:\Windows\System32.
2. Select Properties and go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box labeled Run this program in compatibility mode for.
4. Choose Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the dropdown list.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
Conclusion
Although Windows 11 comes with a modernized version of Notepad, accessing and using the old Notepad app is still possible for those who prefer its classic simplicity. By following the steps in this guide, you can continue using the old Notepad and even set it as the default app for your text files.
Windows 11 includes a revamped version of the Notepad app with new features. However, some users may prefer the classic version of Notepad for its simplicity and speed. This guide will show you how to open and use the old Notepad app in Windows 11.
Step 1: Access the Old Notepad via Optional Features
1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Apps.
3. Scroll down and select Optional features.
Step 2: Install the Old Notepad (if needed)
1. In the Optional Features window, scroll down to the Installed features section and search for Notepad.
2. If Notepad is not installed, click Add a feature at the top of the window.
3. In the search bar, type Notepad and select it from the list.
4. Click Install to add the old version of Notepad to your system.
Step 3: Open Old Notepad Using the Run Dialog
If the modern Notepad app is installed but you want to access the old version, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type notepad.exe and press Enter.
3. The old Notepad app will open, ready for you to use.
Step 4: Pin the Old Notepad to Start or Taskbar (Optional)
If you frequently use the old Notepad and want quick access, you can pin it to the Start menu or taskbar:
1. Right-click on the notepad.exe application when it's open.
2. Select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar for easy access.
Step 5: Use the Old Notepad for Basic Tasks
1. The old Notepad app retains all of its classic features, including basic text editing, word wrapping, and Find/Replace functionality.
2. You can open or save files in text format (.txt) by going to File > Open or File > Save As.
3. To use basic editing tools, go to the Edit menu for options like Cut, Copy, Paste, and Undo.
Step 6: Set Old Notepad as the Default App for Text Files (Optional)
If you want to use the old Notepad app as the default application for opening text files:
1. Right-click on any `.txt` file and select Open with > Choose another app.
2. In the list of apps, select Notepad (the old version).
3. Check the box that says Always use this app to open .txt files.
4. Click OK.
Step 7: Use Old Notepad via Compatibility Mode (Optional)
If you experience issues with the old Notepad version, you can try running it in compatibility mode:
1. Right-click on the Notepad.exe file in C:\Windows\System32.
2. Select Properties and go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box labeled Run this program in compatibility mode for.
4. Choose Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the dropdown list.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
Conclusion
Although Windows 11 comes with a modernized version of Notepad, accessing and using the old Notepad app is still possible for those who prefer its classic simplicity. By following the steps in this guide, you can continue using the old Notepad and even set it as the default app for your text files.