Sometimes the simple things are the best. Let’s take the example of a small program called Notepad on a Windows PC. It has now been a part of Microsoft Windows computers for over two decades. Unfortunately, the future looks unpredictable for Notepad. We say this because many Windows 10 users have reported that Notepad is missing from their PC.
If you also cannot find Notepad on your Windows computer, here we will tell you how to fix Notepad not showing up in Windows 10.
The notebook has an aura. Although it is a simple application, it is different and remarkable from other applications such as MS Word, Wordpad and even Microsoft OneNote. It is one of the best apps to remove formatting from text. Users who have been using Windows computers for years will now feel the emptiness of Notepad.
Fortunately, it’s easy to get Notepad back and activate it on your Windows 10 computer. Let’s see how to fix the missing Notepad issue.
What Happened to Notepad in Windows 10?
Microsoft has been playing around with Notepad for a while. Earlier, they moved it to Microsoft Store, but the decision was later rescinded. Now, Notepad will be available again through the Microsoft Store.
Another development is that Microsoft now makes Notepad an optional feature with Paint. This is the reason why Notepad is not available in Windows 10. So, if you buy a new Windows 10 computer or install the latest Windows 10 build 2004 and above, Notepad may be lost on your Windows PC. You will need to install it yourself as shown below.
Fly: The benefit of making apps like Notepad optional is that they can easily uninstall them if they don’t want to use them.
Where to Find Notepad in Windows 10
Now that you know the reason why Notepad disappeared in Windows 10, it’s time to find it and install it. But before I tell you how to install Notepad, you should try various ways to find Notepad on your computer. The Notepad application may still be installed on your computer, and only if its shortcut has disappeared from the desktop, Start Menu, or Taskbar.
Here are three ways to find Notepad on Windows 10 PC.
Method 1: Find Notepad in Start Menu
Anyone using Windows 10 searches for Notepad under Start Menu > Windows Accessories > Notepad.
Pro Tip: Learn how to fix Windows 10 apps missing from the Start Menu.
Alternatively, click the search icon next to the Start Menu. Type Notepad. Click Notepad to open it.
Method 2: Check Notepad in C Drive
Go to C Drive (or whatever partition you installed Windows), then Windows > System32 folder. Scroll down and you should find the Notepad.exe program. Right-click the icon and select Send > Desktop. Alternatively, copy and paste C:\Windows\System32\Notepad into your file explorer and press Enter. Notepad should open.
Method 3: Use the Run Command
Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run window. You can also find Run from Windows search. Type Notepad and press the OK button. I hope Notepad will open.
Note: If Windows cannot find Notepad or throws an error from the above methods, Notepad is missing from your computer. Follow the two methods given below to install and activate Notepad on your Windows PC.
How To Fix Windows 10 Notepad Invisible
There are two methods of installing Notepad when it is not on your computer.
Method 1: Install Notepad from Optional Features
As mentioned above, Microsoft has made Notepad an optional feature. To use it, you must install it from the Optional Features settings on your Windows PC. Here are the steps:
Stage 1: Open Settings on your Windows PC. You can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the settings.
Step 2: Go to Applications.
Stage 3: Under Apps and features, click Optional features.
Step 4: Click Add a feature.
Step 5: Search for Notepad. Once found, select it and hit the Install button. After installation, use any of the methods mentioned above in Where to find Notepad to open and use Notepad.
If you can’t find Notepad under Add features. Then go back and you’ll find Notepad under Installed features on the Optional features screen.
Search for Notepad. Click on it and hit the Uninstall button. Once uninstalled, restart your computer and reinstall as shown above or using the next method.
Pro Tip: Windows media player, MS Paint etc. Use the same method to install other legacy apps such as
Method 2: Install Notepad from Microsoft Store
If the above method doesn’t work, you should try to install Notepad from Microsoft Store.
Click the link above and hit the Get button to start the download. Once installed, Notepad should appear in the Start Menu.
How to Put Notepad on Desktop in Windows
After successfully installing Notepad, you can put it on your desktop, add its shortcut to the Start Menu, or pin it to the taskbar for faster access. For this, search for Notepad from Windows search. Next, right-click the Notepad icon and select the appropriate option from Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.
Alternatively, click Open file location. The File Explorer window will open. Right-click Notepad and select Send > Desktop (create shortcut).
Don’t Go, Notepad
Of course, Windows has several alternatives such as Microsoft OneNote, MS Word, and Sticky Notes to quickly jot down notes or even write a full-fledged document. But Notepad is Notepad. They have a separate fan base and I am one of them. I hope Microsoft doesn’t completely kill Notepad. That would be a disaster.
Next: If Notepad is not working on your computer, check out five Notepad alternatives from the next link.
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