How to Open Notepad

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Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: December 9, 2024

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Searching for Notepad

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Using the Windows Menu

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Creating a New Text Document

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Notepad is an incredibly easy-to-use text editor bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system. You can find and open Notepad from within the Microsoft Windows Start menu, or you can create a new text file right on your desktop.

Quick Steps

Press the Win key on your keyboard.
Type "Notepad" into the search bar and press Enter.
Click on Notepad to open the Notepad application.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Searching for Notepad

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This should be the top app in your search.
You are now ready to begin using Notepad!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Windows Menu

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2
Scroll down to "Windows Accessories".^{[1]
X
Research source}
- On Windows 10, you won't be able to find Notepad using this method. You can, however, refer to method one to find it.
This will open Notepad!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating a New Text Document

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This will open your text file in Notepad!

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I save a Notepad file to my desktop?

Community Answer

Click File and then Save As in the top left corner. You'll be able to save your Notepad file anywhere on your computer.

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Question

I do not understand yet now how to open the notepad from start menu. What do I do?

Community Answer

From your desktop, click on a free space with your right mouse button. A menu should appear. Just select, "New," and click, "Text Document." This should create a file at your desktop you can rename. Open the file to open Notepad and edit the created file with it.

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Tips

You can pin Notepad the taskbar or Start menu by right-clicking it and clicking Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.

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You can also type notepad in a Windows Run Dialog window (⊞ Win+R).

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Windows 10 users can also download an app called "Notepad Next"; this app retains most of the base functionality of Notepad, but it adds modern touches such as autosaves and further customization.

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Warnings

Unlike Microsoft Word, Notepad does not save your work periodically; to save your work, make sure you click Save in the File menu (or hold down Ctrl+S).

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