About a year ago, Microsoft announced that it would remove the WordPad program from a future version of its Windows 11 operating system. As expected, the WordPad has been removed from Windows 11 24H2.
Users who upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 from earlier versions have reported that the WordPad is no longer available. This means not only users who clean installed but also users who upgraded from 23H2 to 24H2 will not have the WordPad program.
While some users have decided to use Office Word, there are users who are not happy with the omission of WordPad from Windows 11.
If you are also one of those users who would like to install the WordPad all over again on your Windows 11 installation, you will be glad to know that there is an easy workaround to get WordPad in Windows 11.
While the workaround is easy, you will need access to a computer running an earlier version of Windows 10/11 with the WordPad program installed. If you are wondering, we can get the WordPad in Windows 11 by just copying and pasting three small WordPad files.
NOTE: Now that Microsoft has removed WordPad from Windows 11, WordPad will not receive any updates in the future.
Install WordPad in Windows 11 24H2 and later versions
Step 1: On a Windows PC running a version earlier than 24H2, open File Explorer using search or Windows logo + E hotkey.
Step 2: In the File Explorer address bar, copy and paste the following path and then press the Enter key:
C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories
NOTE: If Windows is installed on a drive other than the default “C” drive, please replace “C” in the path above with the drive letter where Windows is installed. For instance, if Windows is installed in the “E” drive, then the path would be E:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories instead.
Step 3: Here, the Accessories folder will have the following three items:
1. en-US or any other language folder
2. wordpad.exe
3. WordpadFilter.dll
Step 4: Copy all three items to a USB drive or any other location.
Step 5: Finally, on the Windows 11 24H2 PC (where WordPad is not available), create a new folder on the desktop and then name it as WordPad.
Step 6: Copy and paste the two files and one folder that you copied to a USB drive to the newly created WordPad folder on the desktop. That’s it!
You may now open the WordPad folder on the desktop and then double-click on the wordpad.exe file to open the WordPad program. Simple as that!
Is WordPad available in Windows 11 23H2 and earlier versions?
Yes, as mentioned earlier in the post, the WordPad program has been part of all versions of Windows 11 until 24H2. So, yes, WordPad is available in Windows 11 23H2 and previous versions.
Ntaganda Joel says
I need to use word pad
CB says
Just install LibreOffice. LibreOffice Write will allow you to create documents with URLs, GRaphics and more, without modifying the data file (recommend .odt saves) so that you do not have to have LibreOffice to open it.
You can open it with WordPad in an earlier version of Windows (pre 11 24H2) just fine.
One of the best things about the Open Document format (.odt), is that it is NOT PROPRIETARY, does NOT put formatting BLOAT in the file…meaning you could load that .odt file on an Android Phone or Tablet just as easy as on a PC or Laptop….take your support info to a new level and use .odt files for everything.
Be aware that if you open a .odt document in MS Word and later ‘save’ it, MS Word will auto-magickly change the format of the file so that only MS Word can open it….so DO NOT USE MS Word if those you share with are not paying a monthly fee for Microsoft Office….FYI.
Jim Brossman says
I would publicly like to thank Microsoft for upgrading my computer from, Win 10 to Win 11 without my permission. Just like the “upgrade” to Win 10, programs disappeared and others don’t work. It takes some kind of jackass at MS to be pleased every time Microsoft think they are giving you an “upgrade” by threatening to not support my last upgrade.
Johnathon Dough says
This type of crap is exactly why people hate Microsoft, hate updates and pirate programs…screw you Microsoft…I’ll simply pirate the entire Office Suite for free…
Nancy Livingston says
I am so upset! Today i realized that I no longer have Word pad…all of my important documents are under that! So now, I have no access to those documents! How do i get access to them?
Marjorie Adams says
How do I get Word … if it was transferred from my old computer to my new HP computer
me says
Here it’s jan 2025 and I got the latest windows upgrade and wordpad is not allowed anymore. That is because microsoft is greedy. they want everyone to buy their products and not have any “free app service”. they want us to use windows word
Tin Le says
Nothing there at all.
C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories BLANK
C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\en-US BLANK
Lee Bachman says
Thank you for your help in getting word pad back.. I went to open a file and found out it only opens with Microsoft word which won’t let you do anything but print or delete unless you purchase it from Microsoft. < what a load of BS.
Thank you again for your assistance in getting word back on my computer.
Stephen Scapelliti says
You keep removing features we want and replacing them with more marketing and surveillance garbage. This is why so many keep calling for tough regulations on tech.
Andrew McBride says
Like another person above my post, I got unable the response of unable to create new document.
admin says
Glad to know that you found our guide helpful!
John Brosnan says
Thank you. That was the only helpful instructions I found.
kenneth dent says
did all this and when I clicked on wordpad I got the response unable to create new document
Trevor Jolly says
Wordpad is one of the most USEFUL sites on the entire internet. I lost mine when the laptop crashed. Particularly for older NON-computer-savvy people. Is there ANY way I can download/install the Wordpad program (or a reconstituted version of it)? I’d be happy to pay for such a download, and feel there would be others also willing to chip in.
C. Wise says
Thank you very much for your help. I had several important documents stored on wordpad. Then I went to open them and the app was gone. I wish there was a way to sue them for deleting my documents.
Marc says
Fn GATES global elitist where even kids are likely not safe around this A hole – shut up, go without your wordpad, update to latest windows version where we’ll strip you of your favorite apps you got used to for decades – if you dont upgrade we will render all that expensive hardware useless and into the landfill – then SHUT UP AGAIN – roll up your sleeve and take what we give you – or lose even more rights and freedoms quicker !
CB says
Any useful solutions if your laptop, pc auto-installed the MS sh*t and only then did you discover you have no app left to write etc? ’cause the files I should have saved before the auto-install are wiped off my laptop.
Tana McCann says
This is not a happy idea to hear Wordpad is not longer available.