Windows 11 24H2 is set to bring a significant update that focuses on refining user experience and enhancing features in built-in applications. However, among the changes, WordPad, a long-standing text editor, has been deprecated, leaving users seeking ways to restore this familiar tool.
WordPad has been a staple app in Windows for years, offering the ability to read Rich Text Format (RTF) documents and providing a range of formatting options not available in basic text editors like Notepad. Despite its removal in Windows 11 24H2, it is still possible to bring back WordPad by manually adding the necessary files to the system.
To restore WordPad in Windows 11 24H2, users can locate the core app files in the Accessories folder within the Windows NT directory on the C drive. By downloading a backup archive containing the essential WordPad files, including ‘wordpad.exe’ and ‘WordpadFilter.dll,’ users can extract and place these files in the Accessories folder to enable the application.
Once the files are added, users can run WordPad by launching ‘wordpad.exe’ and customize its accessibility by pinning it to the Taskbar or adding it to the Start menu for easy access. While WordPad may not receive updates or support from Microsoft going forward, users can continue to use it in Windows 11 24H2 as a local text editing solution.
However, as deprecated apps like WordPad may face compatibility issues and lack essential updates, users are advised to consider alternative text editors such as Microsoft Office or free options like LibreOffice for long-term document editing needs. With WordPad being phased out in Windows 11 24H2, users will need to adapt to newer solutions for efficient document management.
While WordPad will still be available in older versions of Windows, including Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 10, its removal in the upcoming Windows 11 2024 Update signals a shift towards modernizing the software ecosystem. As Microsoft continues to evolve its operating system, users can explore new tools and applications to enhance productivity and document handling in the digital age.
