How to Enable Classic Notepad in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Modern Windows 11 updates have brought innovative features—often powered by AI—to even the most trusted of applications. Yet, for many longtime users, the charm of the old, minimalist Notepad remains irresistible. If you’re among those who appreciate a straightforward text editor without artificial intelligence or modern UI distractions, you’re in luck. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to enable the classic legacy Notepad in Windows 11 24H2 and set it as your default text editor.

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Why Choose Classic Notepad?​

For decades, Notepad has been more than just a simple text editor. Its minimal design and near-instant launch make it indispensable for quick edits, coding snippets, and everyday note-taking. However, Microsoft’s recent updates have added features such as autosave, multimedia integrations, multiple tabs, and even a ChatGPT-powered “Rewrite” option. While these updates are certainly interesting, they come at the expense of the straightforward, distraction-free experience many users cherish. Opting for the classic Notepad provides you with exactly that:

• Simplicity: No extra bells and whistles—just pure text editing.
• Lightweight Performance: Fast launch times and minimal system resource usage.
• Familiarity: A user interface that hasn’t changed in decades, making it a comfortable choice for both veteran and casual Windows users.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Classic Notepad​

Step 1: Verify the Installation of Classic Notepad​

Before making any changes, check if your PC has the classic Notepad installed as an optional feature:

• Open the Settings App: Go to System > Optional features.
• Search for Notepad: Use the search box to check for Notepad.
  • If Installed: You’ll see it listed, meaning you’re good to go.
  • If Not: Click on “View features” under Add an optional feature, search for “Notepad” and install it.

Summary: Ensuring that classic Notepad is installed sets the stage for the tweaks to follow.

Step 2: Disable the Modern Notepad Alias​

The modern Notepad’s integration into Windows involves the App execution alias, which can be disabled to force the legacy version to launch:

• Navigate to App Execution Aliases: In the Settings app, click on the Apps menu, then head over to Advanced app settings and select App execution aliases.
• Turn Off the Notepad Toggle: Scroll down until you find the entry labeled “Store Notepad” (or similar) and disable the toggle.
  This simple change stops Windows from using the AI-powered version when you run notepad.exe.

Summary: By disabling the modern alias, you'll force Windows to default to the legacy Notepad when running the executable.

Step 3: Associate .txt Files with Legacy Notepad Using the Registry​

While launching classic Notepad from the Run dialogue is now possible, text files may still open in the modern Notepad unless file associations are updated. Here’s how to do it using the Windows Registry Editor:

1. Access Regedit:
   Press Win+R, type regedit, and hit Enter. Click Yes at the prompt to allow the application to make changes.
2. Navigate to the Legacy Notepad Key:
   In Regedit’s address bar, paste:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\txtfilelegacy
   This folder should appear on the left.
3. Create Necessary Subkeys for File Association:
   • Create a “Shell” Key: Right-click on txtfilelegacy, select New, then Key, and name it Shell.
   • Within the “Shell” Key, Create an “Open” Key: Right-click on the Shell key, choose New, then Key, and name it Open.
   • Within the “Open” Key, Create a “Command” Key: Right-click on the Open key, select New, then Key, and name it Command.
4. Set the Command Value:
   • Click on the newly created Command key.
   • In the right-hand pane, double-click (Default).
   • Set the Value data to:
     c:\windows\system32\otepad.exe "%1"
     (Note: Ensure there’s a space before %1. This command tells Windows to use the legacy Notepad executable to open .txt files, with the file path passed as a parameter.)

Summary: By editing the registry, you’re linking .txt files to the old Notepad, ensuring that any text document you double-click will evoke your cherished classic interface.

Step 4: Make Classic Notepad the Default Program for .txt Files​

Now that the registry has been updated, you must link .txt file associations explicitly to the legacy Notepad:

1. Create and Save a Test Text File:
   Use either version of Notepad to create and save a random text file.
2. Set the Default App:
   • Right-click on the text file and choose Open with.
   • Select Choose another app.
   • In the options shown, select the old Notepad (look for the legacy icon) and check the Always option.
   • Click OK.

This action ensures that your operating system consistently uses the classic Notepad for opening all text documents.
Summary: Associating the file type solidifies the classic Notepad as your default editor, preventing accidental launches of the modern version.

Step 5: Create a Start Menu Shortcut for Classic Notepad​

To facilitate easy access, integrate a shortcut for the legacy Notepad into your Start menu:

1. Create the Shortcut on the Desktop:
   • Right-click on your desktop, select New, then Shortcut.
   • In the location field, type:
     C:\Windows\System32\otepad.exe file
   • Click Next, name the shortcut as Notepad, and then hit Enter.
2. Move the Shortcut to the Start Menu:
   • Press Win + R, type shell:Common Start Menu, and press Enter.
   • Open the Programs folder.
   • Cut the shortcut from your Desktop and paste it into this folder.

Once done, you’ll find both the modern and classic Notepad icons in your Start menu—with the classic version marked with a nostalgic “New” label.
Summary: With your Start menu now hosting the legacy Notepad shortcut, the transition between choosing the classic versus modern version becomes seamless.

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Classic Notepad vs. New Notepad: The Debate​

Microsoft’s vision increasingly leans toward integrating artificial intelligence into everyday applications—a trend seen with the new Notepad’s ChatGPT-based “Rewrite” feature. Here are some key points to consider:

• Modern Notepad:
  • Pros: Autosave functionality, multiple tabs, dark mode improvements, and integration with Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.
  • Cons: Requires signing in with a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription to access premium features like AI rewriting.
• Classic Notepad:
  • Pros: Ultra-lightweight, familiar interface, and speedy performance. Its minimal design means it rarely crashes and loads instantly.
  • Cons: Lacks enhanced features such as autosave and built-in AI, meaning those who rely on modern conveniences might find it limiting.

The ongoing struggle is reminiscent of the early days of Windows updates—balancing the promise of innovation with the need for reliability and familiarity. It’s the same debate as choosing VLC over native Windows Media Player or sticking with classic control panels over the modern Settings app. In the end, the choice boils down to personal workflow and preferences.
Rhetorical Question: Do you value cutting-edge features enough to switch, or does the timeless simplicity of the legacy interface win every time?

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How to Restore the New Notepad (If You Change Your Mind)​

It’s worth noting that these modifications aren’t permanent. Should you ever decide that you want to switch back to the modern Notepad (and all its bells and whistles), the reversal process is straightforward:

1. Remove the Classic Notepad Shortcut:
   • Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs using File Explorer.
   • Locate and delete the classic Notepad shortcut you added.
2. Revert the Registry Changes:
   • Open Regedit (Win+R, type regedit).
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\txtfilelegacy.
   • Delete the Open subkey (or the entire txtfilelegacy branch) to remove the legacy association.
3. Re-enable the Modern Notepad Alias:
   • Go back to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases.
   • Turn the toggle for Notepad back on.

With these steps, Windows 11 will once again default to the AI-enhanced, modern version of Notepad.
Summary: The restoration process is just as simple as enabling the classic version, making it easy to switch back and forth based on your needs.

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Final Thoughts​

Microsoft’s push to integrate AI into even the simplest applications is a sign of changing times in the tech landscape. While innovations like ChatGPT integration may fascinate early adopters, the enduring appeal of a streamlined, no-frills text editor continues to resonate with millions of users worldwide. By following the steps outlined above, you can tailor your Windows 11 experience to suit your workflow—opting for either modern functionality or the time-tested simplicity of the classic Notepad.
Whether you’re making minor tweaks to the registry or adjusting default file associations, the process exemplifies Windows’ flexibility. After all, customization is one of the many reasons why Windows remains a beloved platform among both tech enthusiasts and everyday users.
In summary:

• Enable Classic Notepad by disabling the modern execution alias.
• Update registry associations to ensure .txt files open with the legacy version.
• Streamline access with a dedicated Start menu shortcut.
• Easily revert back to the modern version if desired.

So, if you prefer the charm of the original design over the newfangled features, these simple adjustments will have you back in the comfort zone of classic editing in no time. Enjoy the best of both worlds on your Windows 11 system—and happy editing!

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Source: WindowsLatest Enable old Classic Notepad in Windows 11 24H2 without AI and modern UI