Microsoft recently announced that WordPad, the free text editing program, will no longer be available in future versions of Windows starting with Windows 11 24H2. This decision came as a surprise to many users who found WordPad to be a simple yet useful alternative to Microsoft Word. While Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to other free apps like LibreOffice, some still prefer WordPad and want to continue using it.
Fortunately, there is a way to bring back WordPad in Windows 11 by using files from an older version of Windows that still supports WordPad. By following a few simple steps, you can restore WordPad on your Windows 11 device.
To do this, you will need to access the WordPad files from an older version of Windows that still has WordPad available. Copy the necessary files, including WordpadFilter.dll, wordpad.exe, and the localization folder, to a USB stick or external drive. Then, paste these files into a folder on your Windows 11 device.
Once the files are in place, create a shortcut for wordpad.exe and place it in the appropriate folder. You can then access WordPad from the Start menu and pin it to the taskbar for easy access. Additionally, make sure to set WordPad as the default app for opening documents by adjusting the app settings.
While this method is safe to use, it’s important to note that WordPad will not receive any future updates or support from Microsoft. This means that over time, the app may become buggy or incompatible with newer Windows elements. In such cases, you may need to eventually stop using WordPad altogether.
For now, however, you can continue to enjoy using WordPad on Windows 11 by following this simple trick. Just keep in mind that the app may not be a long-term solution, and you may need to explore other alternatives in the future.
