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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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Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I save a Notepad file to my desktop?
    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
    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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