How To Use WordPad In Windows 11/10 (A Quick Guide)

Home » How-To

4 min. read

Published on September 17, 2025

Fix Windows errors with Fortect:
Fortect can repair common computer errors by scanning your entire system for damaged or missing OS files and replacing them with the original, working versions. Optimize your PC in 3 simple steps:

Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Use the PC Scan feature to look up any Windows issues (including drivers)
Right-click on Repair, and fix it within a few minutes.

Besides that, it helps you clean up junk files, fix stability problems, and get rid of annoying programs and malware traces.

WordPad, a staple in Windows for years, offers a simple yet effective way to create and edit documents. While not as feature-rich as Microsoft Word, its ease of use and readily available nature make it a perfect choice for quick notes, simple text editing, and even basic formatting. This guide will walk you through the essential features and functionalities of WordPad in Windows 11 and 10.

Mastering WordPad: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Launching WordPad

To begin, simply search for "WordPad" in the Windows search bar (usually located at the bottom-left of your screen). Click on the WordPad icon to launch the application. Alternatively, you can navigate to it through the Start Menu.

2. Creating a New Document

Upon launching, you’ll be presented with a blank document. You can start typing immediately. WordPad automatically saves your work as you type, minimizing the risk of losing unsaved progress.

3. Basic Text Editing

WordPad supports standard text editing functions like:

Cut, Copy, and Paste: Use the keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V) or the right-click menu.
Undo and Redo: Quickly reverse actions using Ctrl+Z (Undo) and Ctrl+Y (Redo).
Find and Replace: Use Ctrl+F to find specific text and Ctrl+H to replace it.

4. Formatting Your Text

WordPad offers basic formatting options:

Font Selection: Choose from a variety of fonts, sizes, and styles from the "Home" tab (or the "Format" menu in older versions).
Bold, Italics, and Underline: Easily apply these styles using the toolbar buttons or keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+B, Ctrl+I, Ctrl+U).
Alignment: Align your text to the left, center, right, or justify using the alignment buttons.
Bullet Points and Numbering: Create lists using the bullet point and numbering options.

5. Saving Your Document

To save your work, click on "File" and then "Save As." Choose a location to save your document and give it a name. WordPad saves files by default as .txt (plain text) but allows you to save in other formats like .rtf (Rich Text Format).

6. Opening Existing Documents

To open an existing document, click "File" and then "Open." Navigate to the location of your file and select it.

7. Advanced Features (Limited)

While WordPad lacks the extensive features of professional word processors, it does offer some additional capabilities:

Insert Pictures: You can insert images into your document.
Page Setup: Basic page setup options are available.
Print: Easily print your document.

Tips for Efficient WordPad Use

Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
Regularly save your work to prevent data loss.
Experiment with the different formatting options to enhance your documents.

WordPad: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool

WordPad is a surprisingly versatile tool for everyday text editing needs. Its simplicity makes it accessible to all users, while its basic formatting options provide enough flexibility for many tasks.

FAQs

What are the limitations of WordPad compared to other word processors?

WordPad lacks advanced features like complex formatting, tables, headers and footers, and advanced layout options found in programs like Microsoft Word. It’s best suited for basic text editing and simple document creation.

Can I use WordPad to create professional-looking documents?

While WordPad allows for basic formatting, it’s generally not recommended for creating professional documents that require complex layouts or advanced features. For such tasks, a more robust word processor is preferable.

How do I insert a picture into a WordPad document?

Click on "Home" > "Insert" > "Picture" and browse to select the image from your computer.

Is WordPad compatible with other file formats?

WordPad primarily works with .txt (plain text) and .rtf (Rich Text Format) files. While it can open and save in other formats, compatibility may vary.