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WordPad Not Opening? 4 Ways to Fix it
Repair the corrupt system files or use the actual app path
3 min. read
Updated onApril 2, 2024
updated onApril 2, 2024
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Key notes
Even though most journeyman users won’t mind missing WordPad, it’s still a valuable asset for smalltextprocessing needs. There are various documents and formatsWordPadcan’t open (partly because Microsoft wants you todownloadOffice), but it still does fairly well and can come in handy.
Since it’s been a built-in part of the Windows platform for a long time, it barely has any issues. Nonetheless, some users experienced some, as they were seemingly unable to openWordPadinWindows 10.
We made sure to find a few solutions to the problem at hand. If you can’t opentextfiles withWordPad, you can try out our suggestions and, hopefully, resolve this.
What can I do if WordPad is not opening?
1. Scan for malware
As we already said, theWordPadtextprocessor is a built-in desktop application. A reminiscence of the past Windows iterations. It’s stored with other installed programs in the WindowsNT folder.
That means that it’s, to some extent and in comparison to system files, vulnerable tomalware infectionsor misuse. Even some applications for cleaning the system can delete one of its files, and that’s rarely the case. A virus, on the other hand, can affect it.
That’s why we need you to perform a deep scan and look for possible malware presence. This can be done with the built-in Windows Defender or anyreliable third-party antivirus.
2. Repair corrupt system files
Also, we recommend running the System File Checker utility in Command Prompt. This tool replaces thecorrupt system fileswith the cached copy stored on the PC.Even better, you can tryspecialized third-party repair softwareto handle corrupt files with just a few clicks.
3. Try starting WordPad from the installation folder
If theWordPadwon’t start or open files when chosen from the contextual menu, you can try running it directly from where default installation path. If you openWordPad, it might get repaired (in case some registry inputs got misconfigured).
The executable we’re looking for is found by following this path:C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows NT\Accessories\
Simply double-click on theWordPad.exeand run it, or you could launch it as an administrator. Then, locate the files you want to open with WordPad and start with the editing.
4. Use an alternative
Now, we know this isn’t a solution but a mere workaround. But, if you’re in dire need of atextprocessor but are not willing toreset your system to factory values, we recommend looking up alternatives.
Check our curated list of thebest writing appsand pick one that meets your requirements. You can also try an open-source freetexteditor like Open Office or even useMicrosoft Office online.
If you have any alternative solution or recommendation, feel free to tell us in the comments section below.
More about the topics:windows 10 fix,WordPad
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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