Last week, Microsoft unveiled its 2024 feature update for Windows 11, initiating a gradual rollout to eligible devices. While it may take several weeks or even months for the update to reach all users, the anticipation is palpable as it promises to enhance the experience for the majority of unmanaged devices.
The update introduces a host of new features, including increased integration of artificial intelligence, support for Wi-Fi 7, and the introduction of Sudo for Windows. However, it also marks the removal of certain functionalities, with the most notable being the classic WordPad text editor.
WordPad is gone
The absence of WordPad may go unnoticed by some users, but for those familiar with the application, its removal is significant. Attempts to access WordPad through the Start menu will yield no results, as the app has been entirely removed from the system. Even if one knows the original file path—”%ProgramFiles%Windows NTAccessorieswordpad.exe”—they will find that it no longer exists.
In fact, the update has eliminated three essential files associated with WordPad from the Windows installation, regardless of whether the system was upgraded from an earlier version or freshly installed. The files removed include:
- Wordpad.exe located in C:Program FilesWindows NTAccessories
- wordpadfilter.dll also in C:Program FilesWindows NTAccessories
- write.exe found in C:Windows
These deletions extend to the WordPad directory, which previously housed subfolders containing language codes and strings for various languages. Microsoft now recommends using Notepad for basic text editing and suggests Microsoft Word for rich text documents. While third-party applications like LibreOffice can be installed to handle formats previously supported by WordPad, users may also seek to restore the application on their devices.
Note: It is important to note that WordPad is no longer under development and will not receive any updates, including security patches, which may lead to functionality issues in the future.
Restoring WordPad on Windows 11
To reinstate WordPad after its removal in Windows 11 version 24H2, users will need to restore the deleted files. However, it is likely that these files are no longer available unless they were backed up prior to the update. Fortunately, several websites have made these files accessible, with one particular site offering a comprehensive software package that includes all necessary files along with support for multiple languages.
Note: The software package has been verified on VirusTotal, confirming its safety for download.
- Download the wordpad.zip archive from the specified website.
- Right-click on the downloaded file and select “Extract All.”
- Accept the extraction prompt that appears.
- Run the installer to set up WordPad on your system.
Once installed, WordPad should function properly for the time being. Users can remove the application at any time through Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Tip: For those looking for a more straightforward solution, Deskmodder offers a download containing just the three necessary files. Users can simply extract these files and run them from any desired location.
While Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for the removal of WordPad, it is speculated that the decision was made to redirect development resources and promote sales of Microsoft Office products. This shift coincides with the release of Office 2024, which aligns with the launch of Windows 11 version 24H2.
What is your preferred (rich) text editor on Windows? Was it WordPad or do you favor another application? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
How to restore the WordPad text editor in Windows 11 – gHacks Tech News
Last week, Microsoft unveiled its 2024 feature update for Windows 11, initiating a gradual rollout to eligible devices. While it may take several weeks or even months for the update to reach all users, the anticipation is palpable as it promises to enhance the experience for the majority of unmanaged devices.
The update introduces a host of new features, including increased integration of artificial intelligence, support for Wi-Fi 7, and the introduction of Sudo for Windows. However, it also marks the removal of certain functionalities, with the most notable being the classic WordPad text editor.
WordPad is gone
The absence of WordPad may go unnoticed by some users, but for those familiar with the application, its removal is significant. Attempts to access WordPad through the Start menu will yield no results, as the app has been entirely removed from the system. Even if one knows the original file path—”%ProgramFiles%Windows NTAccessorieswordpad.exe”—they will find that it no longer exists.
In fact, the update has eliminated three essential files associated with WordPad from the Windows installation, regardless of whether the system was upgraded from an earlier version or freshly installed. The files removed include:
These deletions extend to the WordPad directory, which previously housed subfolders containing language codes and strings for various languages. Microsoft now recommends using Notepad for basic text editing and suggests Microsoft Word for rich text documents. While third-party applications like LibreOffice can be installed to handle formats previously supported by WordPad, users may also seek to restore the application on their devices.
Note: It is important to note that WordPad is no longer under development and will not receive any updates, including security patches, which may lead to functionality issues in the future.
Restoring WordPad on Windows 11
To reinstate WordPad after its removal in Windows 11 version 24H2, users will need to restore the deleted files. However, it is likely that these files are no longer available unless they were backed up prior to the update. Fortunately, several websites have made these files accessible, with one particular site offering a comprehensive software package that includes all necessary files along with support for multiple languages.
Note: The software package has been verified on VirusTotal, confirming its safety for download.
Once installed, WordPad should function properly for the time being. Users can remove the application at any time through Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Tip: For those looking for a more straightforward solution, Deskmodder offers a download containing just the three necessary files. Users can simply extract these files and run them from any desired location.
While Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for the removal of WordPad, it is speculated that the decision was made to redirect development resources and promote sales of Microsoft Office products. This shift coincides with the release of Office 2024, which aligns with the launch of Windows 11 version 24H2.
What is your preferred (rich) text editor on Windows? Was it WordPad or do you favor another application? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.