WordPad is Gone? How to Get it Back in Windows 11

The Resurrection of WordPad: A Guide to Reinstalling the Beloved Text Editor on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft’s decision to retire WordPad in September 2023 sent ripples of disappointment through the tech community. For countless users, WordPad was the quintessential middle ground between the stark simplicity of Notepad and the feature-rich complexity of Microsoft Word. It was a comfortable, familiar tool for quick note-taking, simple document creation, and basic text editing, all without the hefty price tag and extensive functionalities of its more powerful sibling.

The official demise of WordPad arrived with the Windows 11 24H2 update. This update, currently in its rollout phase, effectively removed the program, leaving many users searching for alternatives. While free and open-source options like LibreOffice offer robust solutions, they lack the inherent simplicity and ingrained familiarity that made WordPad so appealing.

For those unwilling to abandon their beloved text editor, a glimmer of hope remains. A relatively straightforward method exists to resurrect WordPad on Windows 11 24H2, allowing you to continue utilizing its familiar interface and functionality.

The key to this resurrection lies in retrieving the necessary files from an older version of Windows, specifically one predating the 24H2 update. This is because while the update removes the executable file that launches the program, the core components often remain, albeit rendered unusable.

The Retrieval Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Locate a Compatible Windows System: You’ll need access to a computer running Windows 11 version 23H2 or earlier. This system will serve as the source for the essential WordPad files. If you don’t have a second computer readily available, perhaps a friend or family member could assist.

2. Navigate to the WordPad Directory: On the compatible Windows system, open File Explorer and enter the following file path into the address bar:

   C:Program FilesWindows NTAccessories

   This directory houses the core files required for WordPad to function.

3. Identify the Essential Files: Within the "Accessories" folder, you should find three crucial items:

   • WordpadFilter.dll: This file contains the dynamic link library that enables WordPad to handle various file formats.
   • wordpad.exe: This is the executable file that launches the WordPad application itself.
   • A localization folder (e.g., en-US): This folder contains language-specific resources for WordPad, ensuring the program displays correctly in your chosen language.

4. Copy the Files to External Storage: Copy all three items (the .dll file, the .exe file, and the localization folder) to a USB drive or other external storage device. Ensure the copy process completes successfully before proceeding.

5. Transfer the Files to the Target System: Connect the USB drive to the computer running Windows 11 24H2, the system from which WordPad was removed.

6. Create a Dedicated WordPad Folder: On the target system, create a new folder to house the retrieved WordPad files. The location is not critical, but a dedicated folder will help keep things organized. Consider creating a folder named "WordPad" in a permanent location, such as within your "Program Files" directory or on your main drive.

7. Paste the Files into the Folder: Paste the copied files (the .dll file, the .exe file, and the localization folder) into the newly created "WordPad" folder.

8. Create a Desktop Shortcut: Right-click on the wordpad.exe file within the "WordPad" folder. Select "Show more options" (if necessary) and then navigate to "Send to" and choose "Desktop (create shortcut)." This will create a shortcut icon on your desktop, providing easy access to WordPad.

9. Add WordPad to the Start Menu: This step is crucial for ensuring WordPad appears in search results and is easily accessible.

   • Copy the newly created desktop shortcut.

   • Open File Explorer and navigate to the following directory:

     C:Program FilesDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgram Files

   • Paste the shortcut into this directory.

   • Rename the shortcut if desired.

10. Pin to Start Menu or Taskbar (Optional): Open the Start menu, click "All apps," and scroll down until you find "WordPad." Right-click on the "WordPad" entry and select "Pin to Start" or "Pin to taskbar" for even quicker access.

11. Associate File Types with WordPad: To ensure WordPad opens specific file types (such as .rtf documents) by default, you need to configure the default app settings.

    • Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
    • Navigate to "Apps" and then "Default apps."
    • Scroll down and select "WordPad" from the list of apps.
    • Here, you can associate various file types with WordPad. For example, you can set it to open all .rtf (Rich Text Format) documents by default.

Important Considerations and Caveats

While this method allows you to resurrect WordPad on Windows 11 24H2, it’s essential to acknowledge certain limitations:

• No Future Updates: The reinstalled WordPad will not receive any future feature updates or security patches. This means that over time, it may become increasingly buggy or incompatible with other elements of your system.
• Potential Compatibility Issues: Documents created with newer versions of Microsoft Word or other word processors may not be fully compatible with the older version of WordPad. This could lead to formatting errors or an inability to open certain files.
• Unofficial Installation: This method involves manually copying files from an older Windows version. While the files themselves are official Microsoft components, the installation process is not officially supported.

Is It Worth It?

The decision to resurrect WordPad on Windows 11 24H2 is ultimately a personal one. If you are heavily reliant on WordPad’s specific features and find its simplicity irreplaceable, then this method may be worth pursuing. However, you should be aware of the potential limitations and consider exploring alternative text editors, such as LibreOffice, which offer ongoing updates and broader compatibility.

Even with its drawbacks, bringing back WordPad can provide a familiar and comfortable text editing experience for those who miss its presence. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a simple, reliable tool that has served countless users for many years. While its future remains uncertain, this method offers a temporary reprieve, allowing users to keep using and making the most of this free text editor for now.