How to fix ‘Notepad Opening Previous Files’ issue on Windows 11

How to fix ‘Notepad Opening Previous Files’ issue on Windows 11: There are other people who are also having trouble with Notepad on Windows 11 reading old files instead of starting at the beginning. It can be annoying and get in the way of your work. The good news is that this problem is easy to fix. With just a few simple steps, you can get Notepad to work the way it should. We will show you how to fix the “Notepad Opening Previous Files” issue on Windows 11 in this help.

You can make sure that Notepad always starts with a clean page this way. This will give you a fresh start and let you focus on your current tasks without being distracted by old files. We’ll show you quick and easy ways to get Notepad back to the way it works by default on your Windows 11 computer. This will make your experience better and more tailored to your needs. We mentioned below are the ways how to fix ‘Notepad Opening Previous Files’ issue on Windows 11.

What is ‘Notepad Opening Previous Files’ issue on Windows 11

The ‘Notepad Opening Previous Files’ problem in Windows 11 arises when Notepad automatically reopens previously opened files, even if the user wants a blank workspace. This can be inconvenient for individuals who enjoy a blank screen. A Notepad or Windows 11 bug may cause the issue. Resetting Notepad settings to default, updating the operating system, or updating the Notepad software may fix this issue.

Users are actively seeking solutions to keep Windows 11 running smoothly, even if this problem is mostly annoying. According to Windows’ user-friendly attitude, consumers desire to keep their computing environment simple and efficient through system upgrades, software updates, and manual modifications. The constant search for answers shows how important a smooth and efficient Windows 11 computing experience is to users.

Causes for ‘Notepad Opening Previous Files’ issue on Windows 11

1. Persistent Workspace Feature: Windows 11 introduced a feature called “Persistent Workspace” in Notepad, which remembers previously opened files. If this feature is enabled, Notepad will reopen the files from the previous session.
2. Autosave and Recovery Settings: Notepad may be configured to automatically save open documents or recover unsaved changes. If this is the case, the application will reopen files that were open during the last session.
3. System Crash or Unexpected Shutdown: If the system crashed or there was an unexpected shutdown, Notepad might reopen files that were open at the time of the crash as part of the recovery process.
4. Notepad Settings: Notepad settings might be configured to restore the previous session. Check the settings to see if there is an option to disable or modify this behavior.
5. Registry or Group Policy Settings: Registry or Group Policy settings might be configured to enforce specific behaviors in Notepad, including reopening previous files. Check these settings to see if they are influencing Notepad’s behavior.
6. Third-Party Applications: Other third-party applications or utilities could be interacting with Notepad and causing it to reopen previous files. Check for any such applications and their settings.
7. Notepad++ or Other Text Editors: If you have installed additional text editors like Notepad++, they may have settings that affect Notepad’s behavior. Ensure that settings in other text editors are not conflicting with Notepad.
8. Updates and Bug Fixes: Check if there are any pending updates for Windows 11 or Notepad. Sometimes, issues like this are addressed in software updates, and installing the latest updates may resolve the problem.
9. Malware or Viruses: Malware or viruses on your system could potentially manipulate application behavior, including Notepad. Run a thorough antivirus scan to ensure your system is clean.

How to fix ‘Notepad Opening Previous Files’ issue on Windows 11

Restore previous session

1. Open Notepad.
2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
3. Under “Startup,” uncheck the box next to “Restore previous session.”
4. Close and reopen Notepad to apply the change.

Manually close all tabs before exiting Notepad

1. Before you close Notepad, ensure to close all open tabs individually.
2. This prevents the application from saving the session and reopening the files next time.

Clear Notepad’s Recent Files history

1. Open the Start menu and search for “Notepad.”
2. Right-click on the Notepad app and select
   • “More” > “App settings.”
3. Under “Reset,” click on “Reset” and then “Reset” again to confirm.
4. This clears any saved file history and session data.

Reset Notepad through Windows Settings

1. Go to Windows Settings (Windows + I).
2. Click on “Apps” and then “Apps & features.”
3. Locate “Notepad” in the list of apps.
4. Click on the three dots next to it and select “Advanced options.”
5. Scroll down and click on “Reset.”

Reinstall Notepad

1. If the issue persists, try reinstalling Notepad.
2. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:
   • Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsNotepad | Remove-AppxPackage
4. To reinstall, go to the Microsoft Store and search for “Notepad.” Install it from there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fixing the issue of “Notepad Opening Previous Files” on Windows 11 is an easy process that makes things run more smoothly for users. As long as users follow the simple steps in this guide, they can stop Notepad from immediately opening old files again. Setting things up in the Registry Editor or using the tools that come with Notepad are two different ways to fix this problem.

If you use these fixes, Notepad on Windows 11 will work better, and users will be able to start over every time they open it. As technology improves, problems may arise from time to time. However, users can easily resolve these issues and enjoy a smooth Notepad experience on their Windows 11 system by being proactive and following the advice in this article.

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