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Notepad question

Tom Cardello 20 Reputation points
2026-05-19T12:35:08.72+00:00

Each time i open the Notepad app in Windows11 Home, it automatically opens the most recent file i'd had opened. I don't want this, i want it to open to a blank, new window. How do i fix this?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps
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DaveM121 (2) 13,800 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-05-19T12:42:01.64+00:00

Open Notepad.

At the top of Notepad, click the gear icon to open Notepad Settings.

Set the 'When Notepad Starts' setting to 'Start new session and discard unsaved changes'.

That will stop Notepad opening with previous documents.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-19T12:35:17.47+00:00

    The available information only covers how to open Notepad and how to change its print header and footer. It does not provide any details or settings related to startup behavior, recent files, or how to force Notepad to open with a blank document instead of the most recent file.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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