How to start WordPad in Windows 11?

WordPad has been a built-in word processing application in Windows for many years, providing users with a simple way to create and edit formatted text documents. While Microsoft has started phasing out WordPad in newer Windows 11 updates, it is still available on many Windows 11 installations. If WordPad is installed on your computer, you can launch it using several different methods.

This guide explains the easiest ways to start WordPad in Windows 11 and what to do if you can't find it.

Method 1: Open WordPad from the Start Menu

The Start Menu is the quickest way to find most Windows applications.

1. Click the Start button on the taskbar or press the Windows key.
2. Type WordPad in the search box.
3. Select WordPad from the search results.
4. The WordPad window will open and you can begin creating or editing documents.

This is the easiest and most commonly used method.

Method 2: Open WordPad Using Windows Search

1. Press Windows + S to open Windows Search.
2. Type WordPad.
3. Click the WordPad app from the results.

Windows Search is one of the fastest ways to locate installed applications.

Method 3: Open WordPad Using the Run Dialog

If you know the executable name, you can launch WordPad directly using the Run command.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type wordpad.
3. Press Enter or click OK.

If WordPad is installed, it will launch immediately.

Method 4: Open WordPad from File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E.
2. Navigate to the following folder:

C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories

or on some systems:

C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\wordpad.exe

3. Double-click wordpad.exe to start the application.

This method is useful if the Start Menu shortcut is missing.

Method 5: Open WordPad Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command:

wordpad

3. Press Enter.

WordPad will open if it is installed on your system.

Method 6: Open WordPad Using Windows Terminal or PowerShell

1. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
2. Type:

wordpad

3. Press Enter.

This command launches WordPad in the same way as the Run dialog.

Method 7: Create a Desktop Shortcut

If you use WordPad frequently, creating a desktop shortcut provides one-click access.

1. Open the WordPad installation folder.
2. Right-click wordpad.exe.
3. Select Show more options (if necessary).
4. Choose Send to > Desktop (Create shortcut).

You can now launch WordPad directly from your desktop.

Method 8: Pin WordPad to the Start Menu or Taskbar

For even faster access:

1. Search for WordPad.
2. Right-click the application.
3. Select one of the following:

• Pin to Start
• Pin to Taskbar

This allows you to launch WordPad with a single click.

Keyboard Shortcuts Related to Opening WordPad

What If WordPad Is Missing?

Microsoft has officially deprecated WordPad and has started removing it from some newer Windows 11 updates. If searching for WordPad returns no results, it may no longer be installed on your computer.

If WordPad is unavailable, you can use one of these alternatives:

• Microsoft Word
• Notepad
• Microsoft Word for the web
• LibreOffice Writer
• Google Docs
• WPS Office Writer

These applications provide similar or more advanced document editing capabilities.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Verify that WordPad is installed by searching for wordpad.exe.
• Restart Windows if the application doesn't launch.
• Check whether a recent Windows update removed WordPad.
• Use an alternative word processor if WordPad is no longer available.

Conclusion

Starting WordPad in Windows 11 is simple if the application is installed. You can launch it using the Start Menu, Windows Search, the Run dialog, File Explorer, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal. For quicker access, consider pinning WordPad to the Start Menu or Taskbar, or creating a desktop shortcut. If WordPad is missing because of recent Windows 11 updates, modern alternatives such as Microsoft Word, Notepad, or LibreOffice Writer provide excellent replacements for creating and editing documents.