Windows 10: I can't even open notepad without a file,

Discus and support I can't even open notepad without a file, in Windows 10 Gaming to solve the problem; I can't even open notepad without a file, what is wrong with this new system? Yes I know how to associate a file to a program. Is Microsoft looking at... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Gaming' started by Ken Eldridge1, Apr 22, 2025 at 11:37 PM.

  1. KEN ELDRIDGE1
    Ken Eldridge1 Win User

    I can't even open notepad without a file,


    I can't even open notepad without a file, what is wrong with this new system? Yes I know how to associate a file to a program. Is Microsoft looking at this? It looks like it will open but nothing happens, brand new HP laptop

    :)
     
    Ken Eldridge1, Apr 22, 2025 at 11:37 PM
    #1
  2. A. SHAW THORALL
    A. Shaw Thorall Win User

    Unable to open Notepad or MS Paint

    I have a desktop PC with Windows 10. I use both Notepad and MS Paint frequently and they both recently stopped opening. Clicking the taskbar shortcuts to open them doesn't cause them to open; the mouse switches to the "loading" throbber, but reverts back after about a second without opening any windows. The same thing occurs when I locate the *.exe files in the system32 folder. There is no error message or change in state to screenshot.

    The following descriptions say "Notepad," but in each case I have tried the steps for both MS Paint and Notepad, and I'm looking for help with both. Based on suggestions from around the internet I have tried:

    1. running notepad as an administrator (both from the taskbar shortcut and by locating notepad.exe in the file explorer).
    2. resetting the cache for the Windows store (using "WSReset.exe") and then running notepad.
    3. uninstalling and then reinstalling notepad via Settings>Apps and features>Optional features.
    4. restarting computer
    5. updating computer and then restarting
    6. uninstalling notepad, restarting, reinstalling notepad.
    Windows specifications from Settings>System>About are:

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2
    Installed on ‎1/‎16/‎2023
    OS build 19045.2728
    Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4190.0
     
    A. Shaw Thorall, Apr 22, 2025 at 11:41 PM
    #2
  3. ROBERTLIGHTBOURNE
    RobertLightbourne Win User
    How do I get Notepad to list recently opened Notepad files?

    Today, right clicking on the Notepad icon on the taskbar has stopped giving a list of recently open Notepad files. This list is extremely useful to me. Is there any way to recover this feature ?

    UPDATE: When I left click and right click several times, there intermittently appears the list of recently open Notepad files. But I don't have a reliable method for accessing this list. Grrr.

    Will much appreciate help.
     
    RobertLightbourne, Apr 22, 2025 at 11:41 PM
    #3
  4. NATHANIEL MON
    Nathaniel Mon Win User

    I can't even open notepad without a file,

    Notepad automatically opening when ABA file downloaded

    Hi Fiona,

    We suggest that you follow these steps to uncheck the Always open this type of file:

    • Right click on an ABA file.
    • Hover your mouse cursor on Open with and select Choose another app.
    • Uncheck the Always open this type of file and click on
      OK      .
    Let us know how it goes.
     
    Nathaniel Mon, Apr 22, 2025 at 11:41 PM
    #4
Thema:

I can't even open notepad without a file,

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