How to Get Classic Notepad Back in Windows 11

Windows 11 replaced the classic Notepad with a new app that has a dark mode, tabs, and a modern interface. If you prefer the old, simpler Notepad, you can still get it back—either by restoring the original executable from Windows 10 or by using a portable version. This guide shows you two reliable methods that work on current Windows 11 versions without any third-party tools.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 PC with administrator access (for the system file method).
Internet access to download the classic Notepad executable (for the portable method).
File Explorer with “Show hidden files” enabled (optional, for the system file method).

Step-by-Step

There are two main ways to get classic Notepad back: restoring the original Windows 10 Notepad file, or downloading a standalone portable version. The first method is more permanent; the second is simpler and doesn’t touch system files.

Method 1: Restore the Original Notepad.exe (System File Method)

First, back up your current Notepad app. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32. Find Notepad.exe (the new one). Right-click it and select Properties, then go to the Security tab. Click Advanced, then next to “Owner” click Change. Type Administrators and press Check Names, then OK. Check “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” and click OK.
Still in Properties, click Edit, select Administrators, and check Full control. Click Apply and OK.
Now rename the current Notepad.exe to something like Notepad_new.exe (right-click > Rename). This keeps a backup in case you want to switch back.
Download the classic Notepad.exe from a trusted source (see Tips). Make sure it’s the 64-bit version from Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Name it Notepad.exe.
Copy the downloaded file to C:\Windows\System32. If prompted for administrator permission, click Continue.
Test it: press Win + R, type notepad, and press Enter. The classic Notepad should open.
If Windows tries to replace it with the new app (via the Store), you may need to disable the app execution alias. Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases. Turn off the “Notepad” toggle. Then try again.

Method 2: Use a Portable Classic Notepad (No System Changes)

Download a portable version of classic Notepad from a reputable source (e.g., a trusted software archive). Look for “Notepad.exe” that is a standalone executable.
Extract the downloaded file to a folder like C:\ClassicNotepad (you can create this folder).
Right-click the Notepad.exe file and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). This gives you a desktop icon.
Optionally, pin it to the taskbar: right-click the desktop shortcut and select Pin to taskbar.
Whenever you need classic Notepad, use that shortcut instead of the Start menu one.

Common Mistakes

Not taking ownership correctly: If you skip the ownership step in Method 1, you won’t be able to rename or replace Notepad.exe. Always change the owner to Administrators first.
Downloading the wrong architecture: Make sure you get the 64-bit (x64) version of Notepad.exe. A 32-bit one may work but could cause issues.
Forgetting to disable the app execution alias: Even after replacing the file, Windows may still launch the new Notepad from the Store. Disable the alias in Settings as described.
Not backing up the original: If you don’t rename the original Notepad.exe, you might lose it permanently. Always keep a backup.

Tips

For a truly clean classic Notepad, use the version from Windows 10 2004 (build 19041) or later. It has the same features as the old one but is more stable on Windows 11.
If you use the portable method, you can also copy the Notepad.exe to a USB drive and use it on any PC.
To make classic Notepad your default for .txt files, right-click a .txt file > Open with > Choose another app > select the classic Notepad.exe and check “Always use this app”.
Keep the new Notepad installed as a backup—you might want its tabs or dark mode later.

Troubleshooting

“Access denied” when replacing Notepad.exe: This means you haven’t taken ownership properly. Repeat the ownership steps carefully. Also, temporarily disable antivirus or Windows Defender that might block the replacement.

Classic Notepad opens but then the new one takes over: This is usually the app execution alias. Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases and turn off “Notepad”. Also, check that the Notepad.exe you placed is actually in System32 and not blocked by Windows (right-click > Properties > Unblock if present).

The classic Notepad doesn’t appear in the Start menu search: Search uses the Store app by default. Use the desktop shortcut or pin to taskbar instead. You can also create a new shortcut that points directly to C:\Windows\System32\Notepad.exe.

Windows Update resets Notepad to the new version: After a feature update, Windows may restore the new Notepad. You’ll need to repeat the steps. To minimize this, consider using the portable method, which is unaffected by system updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to replace Notepad.exe? Yes, as long as you use a genuine Windows 10 Notepad.exe from a trusted source. It’s a core Windows component, but the classic version is just an older build.

Will I lose any features? Yes, you’ll lose the new Notepad’s tabs, dark mode, and improved search. You’ll gain the classic, minimal interface with a simple menu bar.

Can I have both Notepads installed? Yes, you can keep the new one (by renaming it) and have the classic one as Notepad.exe. You can create shortcuts to both.

Does the classic Notepad work with Windows 11’s dark mode? No, the classic Notepad is always light. It doesn’t support dark mode.

Will this affect system stability? No, Notepad is a simple text editor. Replacing it with the older version doesn’t affect other system functions.

Can I get classic Notepad from the Microsoft Store? No, the Store only offers the new version. You must download the classic executable from another source.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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