Will Reset delete my files?

Saved .txt files stay; only Notepad's own unsaved tabs and settings are cleared.

Why did Notepad open old tabs?

Windows 11 Notepad restores your previous session; turn it off in Notepad settings.

Can I copy text out before resetting?

If Notepad opens at all, copy everything into the notepad above first.

Notepad Not Working on Windows 11

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): In Windows 11, Notepad is a Store app, so most problems are fixed in Settings › Apps › Installed apps › Notepad › Advanced options: try Repair first, then Reset (Reset clears its saved tabs). If that fails, uninstall it and install Notepad again from the Microsoft Store. While you fix it, the online notepad above keeps your text safe.

Do it now, right here

Open file

Step by step

Settings › Apps › Installed apps › Notepad › Advanced options › Repair.
Still broken? Press Reset (unsaved tabs are lost).
Last step: reinstall Notepad from the Microsoft Store.

At a glance

Symptom	Try	Note
Does not open	Repair, then Reset	Settings › Apps
Freezes on a big file	Open the file in another editor	Very large logs are slow
Missing from Start	Reinstall from Microsoft Store	Free

Notepad not working on Windows 11? How to fix it