WordPad shipped with every Windows version since Windows 95. It was a simple word processor: more formatting than Notepad, but much lighter than Word. Microsoft announced its removal in 2023, and since Windows 11 version 24H2 it's gone, even after an upgrade. You can't reinstall it through Optional features. So what are the alternatives?
What does this mean for you?
- Existing .rtf and .docx files remain usable. You simply open them with another app.
- Open .txt files with Notepad.
- Using WordPad in scripts or procedures? Update them.
The best alternatives
| App | Price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Notepad | Built in | Quick notes and plain text. The latest version has tabs, autosave and basic formatting. |
| Word for the web | Free with a Microsoft account | Formatted documents, saved in OneDrive |
| Microsoft Word | With a Microsoft 365 subscription | Full word processing |
| LibreOffice Writer | Free, open source | A full word processor on your PC, including .rtf |
Choose a default app for .rtf
- Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Type .rtf in the search box.
- Choose the app to open these files with, for example Word.
Also see use Office online for free and turn Windows features on or off.
Read also
Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for free in your browser
Turn Windows features on or off in Windows 11 and 10: 4 ways
Work fully online with Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Nederlandstalige versie: WordPad verdwenen uit Windows 11: de beste alternatieven
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