How do I stop notepad from displaying text files in subfolders in addition to current folder?

Question

I use notepad to view and edit multiple text files. When I select open from the File drop down menu, it used to display only the files in the current folder and not the files from the subfolders. Today it started displaying all text files in that folder and all subfolders as well. Since I store old files in a subfolder of my working folder, this has resulted in a morass of files that I don't want to search through. How do I stop the open command from displaying files in subfolders?

Answer 1

To stop Notepad from displaying text files in subfolders when you use the Open command, you may need to adjust the settings in Windows Explorer or check if there are any specific options in Notepad itself. However, Notepad does not have built-in settings to limit file visibility to only the current folder.

A potential workaround is to ensure that you are navigating to the correct folder without using any shortcuts or settings that might include subfolders. If the issue persists, consider checking the folder options in Windows Explorer:

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Go to the View tab.
3. Click on Options and then select Change folder and search options.
4. Under the View tab, make sure that the option "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" is unchecked and that you are not using any settings that might cause it to show files from subfolders.

If this does not resolve the issue, you may need to consider using a different text editor that allows more control over file visibility or organizing your files in a way that avoids clutter in the Open dialog.

Answer 2

Thanks for sharing the details! Try to clear the search mode in the Open dialog

• In Notepad → File → Open
• Click once inside the file list area
• Press Esc
• OR click the ❌ in the Search box (top-right)

Once search is cleared, only the current folder is shown again. Even an empty-looking search box can still be active. This works immediately.

You can also turn off subfolder search toggle.

In newer Windows 11 builds:

File → Open

Look top-right for:

• “Search subfolders” (folder + magnifier icon)

Turn it OFF

Windows remembers this setting per app.

See if these help. If you need further assistance just let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly

Answer 3

Great that you were able to fix it. If you continue to have issues, please try the fix that I provided. Thanks.