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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

  1. Press the Win key on your keyboard.
  2. Type "Notepad" into the search bar and press Enter.
  3. Click on Notepad to open the Notepad application.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Searching for Notepad

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  2. This should be the top app in your search.
  3. You are now ready to begin using Notepad!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using the Windows Menu

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  1. [1]
    • On Windows 10, you won't be able to find Notepad using this method. You can, however, refer to method one to find it.
  2. This will open Notepad!
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Creating a New Text Document

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  1. This will open your text file in Notepad!
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I save a Notepad file to my desktop?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I do not understand yet now how to open the notepad from start menu. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • You can also type notepad in a Windows Run Dialog window ( Win+R).
  • 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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About This Article

Jack Lloyd
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 112,214 times.
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Co-authors: 14
Updated: December 9, 2024
Views: 112,214
Categories: Windows | Office
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 112,214 times.

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