Bring WordPad back on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 has removed WordPad and suggests using alternatives like Notepad for .txt files and Microsoft Word for .rtf files.

To bring WordPad back on Windows 11 24H2, you can follow a workaround despite Microsoft’s decision to remove it. Here are the steps:

1. Copy WordPad Files from an Older Windows Version:
   • Before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, locate the wordpad.exe and wordpadfilter.dll files in the Accessories folder. This is typically found at C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories.
   • Copy these files to a secure location on your disk or an external drive.
2. Reinstall WordPad After Upgrade:
   • After upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, copy the saved wordpad.exe and wordpadfilter.dll files back to the Accessories folder on your upgraded system. This should allow you to run WordPad as before.
3. Alternative Approach:
   • Some users have created packages that can restore WordPad functionality. You might find these on trusted forums or tech blogs. However, ensure you download software only from reputable sources to avoid security risks.

While Microsoft has removed WordPad and suggests using alternatives like Notepad for .txt files and Microsoft Word for .rtf files, these steps can help maintain your preferred workflow without additional cost​ (BleepingComputer)​​ (Winaero)​​ (TweakTown)​​ (Berrall)​.

For more detailed instructions and to stay updated with the latest changes, you can check sites like Winaero and Bleeping Computer.