Alex Ruben
How to Restore Classic Notepad in Windows 11
If you’re a fan of the classic Notepad and prefer its simplicity and speed over the modern version in Windows 11, you’re not alone. Many users miss the straightforward interface and performance of the old Notepad. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to disable the modern Notepad app and modify system settings to restore the classic version. By the end, you’ll be able to open text files with the original Notepad instead of the updated version.
Before you begin, ensure that you have administrative rights on your computer, as you will be making changes in Windows Settings and the Registry Editor. Familiarize yourself with these tools, and back up any important data in case you need to revert changes later.
Step 1: Disable the Modern Notepad App
To start, you need to turn off the modern Notepad app through the Windows Settings. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- In the Settings window, click on Apps in the left sidebar.
- On the right side, click on Advanced app settings.
- Select App execution aliases.
- Scroll down to find the Notepad app and toggle it off.
This action disables the modern version of Notepad on your Windows 11 system.
Step 2: Access the Registry Editor
Next, you will need to make changes in the Registry Editor to set the classic Notepad as the default text editor. Here’s how to do it:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
regeditand press Enter to launch the Registry Editor. - If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow changes.
Step 3: Modify the Registry to Restore Classic Notepad
Now you’ll navigate to the specific registry path and make necessary edits:
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\txtfilelegacy\Shell. - Right-click on the Shell folder, select New, and then Key. Name this new key
open. - Right-click on the newly created
openkey, select New, then Key again, and name itcommand. - In the right panel, double-click on the Default value.
- In the value data field, enter:
C:\Windows\system32\notepad.exe "%1"and click OK.
This step configures Windows to open classic Notepad when you double-click on any text file.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
To apply the changes, it’s best to restart your computer. After rebooting, any text file you open should now default to the classic Notepad.
Step 5: Open a Text File with Classic Notepad
To verify that everything works as expected, try opening a text file:
- Locate any text file on your computer.
- Double-click on it, and you should receive a prompt to select which application to use for opening the file.
- Select the classic Notepad from the options and check the box to always use this app for text files.
This will ensure that all future text files open in the classic Notepad, bringing back the simplicity you missed.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during this process, consider the following tips:
- Ensure you have administrative privileges to make changes in the Settings and Registry Editor.
- Double-check the registry path for any typos as incorrect entries can lead to errors.
- Always back up your registry before making changes in case you need to restore it later.
Conclusion
You have now successfully restored the classic Notepad in Windows 11 by disabling the modern app and adjusting the registry settings. Enjoy the lightweight and fast performance of the traditional Notepad without the additional features of the newer version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert back to the modern Notepad?
Yes, you can easily re-enable the modern Notepad by following the same steps in the Settings and toggling it back on in the app execution aliases.
Will this method affect other text editing applications?
No, this method only affects the default application used to open text files. Other applications remain unchanged.
Is it safe to edit the registry?
Editing the registry can be risky if done incorrectly. Always ensure you follow the instructions carefully and back up your registry before making changes.