WordPad is gone from Windows 11. Here's how to bring it back

With the arrival of Windows 11 version 24H2, WordPad is officially gone. Want to keep using it? You're in luck.

- LAURA PIPPIG

In September 2023, Microsoft announced the surprising end of its free text-editing program (fave.co/3Y4Dp8z). For many, WordPad was a simple but useful alternative to Microsoft Word—but it’s no longer part of Windows.

Windows 11 24H2 marks the official death of WordPad along with several other features that have been removed in the update (fave.co/3zLrNPS). (The 24H2 update is currently being rolled out. Learn more about when you’ll get it in our article breaking down its release schedule, fave.co/4dGK3HX.)

You’ll likely be better off switching to other free apps such as LibreOffice, but it just won’t be the same. If you find that you still prefer WordPad and want to keep using it, here’s a method you can use.

HOW TO GET WORDPAD BACK IN WINDOWS 11