As announced earlier this year, Microsoft dropped the WordPad program from the recently released Windows 11 24H2 version. In short, the WordPad is no longer available in Windows 11.
WordPad is one program that has been part of the Windows operating system for decades. Besides helping you create documents and save them in Office Word-supported .docx format, it also supports opening the Office Word’s .docx format. This means that users who do not have Office Word installed on their PCs can also use the WordPad program to open .docx documents created with Office Word.
While most users use the advanced Office Word program or any other third-party program instead of the built-in WordPad, some users prefer the simple WordPad over others.
Now that Microsoft has ditched WordPad, Windows 11 users have a few options. The best option is to use the free online version of Office Word or third-party software like LibreOffice, but if you miss WordPad, there is a way to get it back.
Although WordPad has been removed from Windows 11, users can restore it by adding a few WordPad files to the Windows 11 installation. We have discussed the method in detail in our how to install WordPad in Windows 11 guide. However, the problem is that the method requires access to a Windows 10/11 PC with WordPad available (to source original WordPad files).
Not all users have access to another Windows 11 or Windows 11 computer. So, how can you install WordPad if you cannot access another PC with WordPad installed? Luckily, a website is offering the WordPad app (files) for Windows 11.
While we do not recommend downloading files from unknown websites, you have no option but to download WordPad files if you do not have access to a PC installed with WordPad.
The Win7Games.com website offers the WordPad program. Here is how to download and install it in Windows 11 24H2 and later versions.
Download and install WordPad on Windows 11 PCs
Step 1: Visit this page of the Win7Games website and download the WordPad installer. Download the 64-bit installer only.
NOTE: If you are not comfortable downloading from unknown places, we recommend you use virus scanning services such as VirusTotal to ensure that the website and downloaded installers are safe.
Step 2: Extract the downloaded ZIP file to get the WordPad setup file.
Step 3: Run the downloaded WordPad setup file and then follow the on-screen directions to install the WordPad.
NOTE: The Windows Defender SmartScreen might show the following warning when you try to run the WordPad setup file. Click the More info link and then click the Run anyway button to begin the installation.
Step 4: Once installed, the WordPad program should be available to launch from the Start or taskbar search.
Our how to install the Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11 guide might also interest you.
CodingChris says
I’m all for progress, but MS Word isn’t opening my .rtf files. So, rather than chasing how to acquire what is now an antiquated program, I’ve elected to use a different program that will open those files.
Notepad++ opens .rtf files without complaint. I just changed the Windows file association to that and all is right with the world. Notepad++ is far more powerful anyway.
Paul Edward Riddick says
No Thanks
william tarnelli says
do you just sit there and think of ways to aggravate customers wordpad was fine till you messed it up