Fix WordPad Not Opening in Windows (4 Different Methods)

Key Features of WordPad

While primarily focused on plain and rich text formats, WordPad equips users with essential tools for:

1. Adjusting font characteristics, including style, size, and color.
2. Spell checking.
3. Using the find and replace functionality.
4. Incorporating elements like images and tables into text documents.
5. Compared to advanced word processors, WordPad might come off as basic, but it’s the perfect tool for quick and uncomplicated text edits.

Challenges with WordPad: Common Issues Users Face

A significant concern arises when users encounter difficulties in launching or using WordPad. Such challenges become barriers to accessing and amending their text documents, leading to potential delays and increasing user distress.

Especially for those who are dependent on WordPad for regular text-related tasks, its malfunctioning can severely hinder productivity and efficiency.

Why Doesn’t WordPad Work Properly?

There could be a multitude of reasons behind WordPad’s malfunctioning. Understanding these causes is the first step towards troubleshooting and ensuring the application runs smoothly.

These problems can hinder users from effectively accessing and editing their files, potentially causing interruptions in their workflow and diminishing productivity, especially for those who often deal with text documents.

Various factors could cause WordPad to malfunction or not open at all. These might include a faulty program setup, interference with other software or system files, or issues related to user access rights. Moreover, if the WordPad executable file is compromised or absent, this could be the root of the issue.

In the following guided steps, we will outline four methods to rectify the issue of WordPad failing to open in Windows.

4 Solutions on How To Fix Wordpad Issues in Windows

Solution 1: Conduct a Malware Scan

A potential reason for WordPad malfunctioning could be malware infection. Ensuring your computer is malware-free is essential for its optimal operation.

If a specialized security scanner is available to you or provided by your organization, use it for a complete system check. If not, Windows Defender, a built-in tool, can serve the purpose:

• Navigate to the Windows Start menu or press the Windows key.
• Search for “Microsoft Defender” and select “Microsoft Defender Antivirus” to initiate the program.
• From the left sidebar, pick “Virus & threat protection.”
• Opt for either “Quick scan” or “Full scan,” based on your needs.
• A “Quick scan” targets the most frequently infected areas of your computer.
• Choosing “Full scan” means a comprehensive examination of all files, folders, and installed programs.
• Press “Scan now” to commence the scan, the duration of which varies based on the number of files and your system’s storage capacity.

After completion, the tool will list any threats it detects, allowing you to either quarantine or eliminate them. If there are no identified threats, a notification confirming your device’s safety will be displayed.

Solution 2: Launch WordPad Directly from its Installation Directory

Sometimes, accessing WordPad directly from its installation location can bypass certain issues:

• Go to this directory:
  C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows NT\Accessories\
• Search for the file named “WordPad.exe.”
• To initiate WordPad, double-click on “WordPad.exe.”
• For elevated privileges, right-click on “WordPad.exe” and opt for “Run as administrator.”
• After WordPad starts, navigate to and select the desired file to edit.
• Use WordPad’s features to modify your document as needed.

Solution 3. Fix Possibly Corrupted System Files

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type and execute the following command:
  sfc /scannow
• Restart your system once the scan is completed.
• If the SFC command finds and doesn’t fix errors, input the following commands sequentially, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 4. Update or Reset WordPad Settings

Sometimes, WordPad might malfunction due to misconfigured settings or after certain system updates. Resetting WordPad to its default settings can rectify such issues. Here’s how you can do it:

• Press the Windows key + R to open the ‘Run’ dialog box.
• Type in regedit and press Enter to launch the Windows Registry Editor.
• Navigate to the following path:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Wordpad
• Right-click on the ‘Wordpad’ folder and choose Delete to reset WordPad settings. (This action removes the customized settings for WordPad, and they will revert to the defaults the next time you open the program.)
• Close the Registry Editor and try opening WordPad again.

Conclusion

Experiencing issues with fundamental tools like WordPad can be frustrating, especially when they disrupt daily tasks and productivity. While there are various reasons why WordPad may not open or function optimally, the outlined solutions aim to address the most common challenges. By following these strategies, users should be better equipped to resolve the issue and enjoy a seamless text editing experience in Windows. Remember, consistent system checks and updates can also preempt such problems, ensuring that essential apps like WordPad run without hitches.