How to Download and Install
Notepad for Windows

How to Get Notepad on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Notepad is the built-in plain-text editor included with Windows. In most cases, you do not need to download it manually: open the Start menu, type Notepad, and launch it from the search results. If Notepad is missing, corrupted, disabled, or removed, you can restore it in several ways.

On modern Windows versions, the official Notepad app can be installed through the Microsoft Store. On some Windows 10 systems, Notepad may also appear as an Optional Feature. Advanced users can reinstall it with winget or PowerShell.

Download Windows Notepad from Microsoft Store

The safest and easiest way to install the official Notepad app is through the Microsoft Store. This method works best on Windows 11 and on updated Windows 10 installations where Notepad is distributed as a Store app.

Steps to Install Notepad from Microsoft Store

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type Microsoft Store and open the app.
3. In the search box, type Windows Notepad.
4. Select the Notepad app published by Microsoft Corporation.
5. Click Get, Install, or Update.
6. After installation, open the Start menu and type Notepad.

Install Notepad from Optional Features in Windows

On some Windows 10 builds and enterprise-managed systems, Notepad may be listed as an optional Windows feature. If it was removed from the system, you can add it back through Settings.

Windows 11 Steps

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps → Optional features.
3. Click View features next to Add an optional feature.
4. Type Notepad in the search field.
5. If it appears, select it and click Next → Install.

Windows 10 Steps

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Open Apps → Apps & features.
3. Click Optional features.
4. Click Add a feature.
5. Search for Notepad, select it, and click Install.

Install Notepad Using winget in Windows Terminal

winget is the Windows Package Manager. It can install Microsoft Store apps directly from the command line, which is useful if Microsoft Store search does not work or if you prefer a faster installation method.

Install Windows Notepad with winget

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Terminal or Windows Terminal.
3. Run the following command:

winget install 9MSMLRH6LZF3 --source msstore

If winget asks you to accept source agreements, type Y and press Enter. After the installation finishes, search for Notepad from the Start menu.

Update Notepad with winget

winget upgrade 9MSMLRH6LZF3 --source msstore

Reinstall Windows Notepad with PowerShell

If Notepad is installed but broken, missing from search, or unable to open text files correctly, PowerShell can help check the app package and re-register installed Windows apps.

Check Whether Notepad Is Installed

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Terminal or Windows PowerShell.
3. Run this command:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsNotepad*

If the command returns package information, Notepad is present on your system. If it returns nothing, install Notepad from Microsoft Store or with winget.

Re-register Built-in Windows Apps

If the package exists but the app does not open, run PowerShell as Administrator and execute:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsNotepad | Foreach {
  Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"
}

Repair or Reset Notepad If It Is Already Installed

You may not need to reinstall Notepad at all. If the app opens slowly, crashes, does not save settings, or behaves incorrectly, try Repair first. If that does not help, use Reset.

Repair Notepad in Windows 11

1. Press Win + I.
2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
3. Find Notepad.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options.
5. Click Repair.
6. If the problem remains, click Reset.

Repair Notepad in Windows 10

1. Open Settings → Apps → Apps & features.
2. Find Notepad.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Use Repair or Reset.

How to Update Notepad on Windows

Updating Notepad can fix bugs, improve performance, and add newer app features. If Notepad was installed from Microsoft Store, it is usually updated through the Store app.

Update Notepad from Microsoft Store

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Click Library in the lower-left corner.
3. Click Get updates.
4. If an update for Windows Notepad is available, install it.

Update Windows Components

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Restart your PC if Windows asks you to do so.

What to Do If Notepad Will Not Download or Install

If Microsoft Store fails to install Notepad or the app does not appear after installation, use the fixes below in order.

1. Check Your Internet Connection and Microsoft Store

• Make sure the PC is connected to the internet.
• Disable VPN or proxy temporarily if Microsoft Store cannot load.
• Sign in with a Microsoft account if the Store asks for it.

2. Reset Microsoft Store Cache

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. Wait for Microsoft Store to reopen automatically.
4. Try installing Notepad again.

3. Run the Microsoft Store Apps Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter if it is available on your system.

4. Repair Windows System Files

If Notepad and other Windows apps are broken, system files may be damaged. Open Terminal as Administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Best Way to Install Notepad in Windows 10 and Windows 11

The best method depends on what exactly is wrong: a missing app, a broken app, a Store problem, or an enterprise-managed PC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Notepad on Windows