Under the hood improvements of Windows 11 compared to Windows 8.1?


notepad.exe will still be in System32 but you can't associate any protocols with it!
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I had no idea that someone would still use that with something like Notepad++ around.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home(RP) - 25H2 -26200.8728AMD Ryzen 5 5600GG.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16Nvidia geforce gtx titan x
OS
Windows 11 Home(RP) - 25H2 -26200.8728
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Banana Junior 5600-G Series
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Motherboard
Asus ROG Strix B550-F
Memory
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia geforce gtx titan x
Monitor(s) Displays
28" ASUS VP28U 4k
Screen Resolution
4K
Hard Drives
Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
PSU
EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
Case
Zalman i3 NEO
Cooling
ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
Keyboard
Corsair
Mouse
Amazon Generic with Cord
Internet Speed
Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
Browser
Firefox and Edge
Antivirus
MS - Defender
Other Info
Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
I had no idea that someone would still use that with something like Notepad++ around.
I use it constantly. Basic and simple text editor.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I use it constantly. Basic and simple text editor.
I used to use it all the time but now I use Notepad++.. just as basic but it has a tab feature and syntax highlighting. Key for programming.. like in Python.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home(RP) - 25H2 -26200.8728AMD Ryzen 5 5600GG.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16Nvidia geforce gtx titan x
OS
Windows 11 Home(RP) - 25H2 -26200.8728
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Banana Junior 5600-G Series
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Motherboard
Asus ROG Strix B550-F
Memory
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia geforce gtx titan x
Monitor(s) Displays
28" ASUS VP28U 4k
Screen Resolution
4K
Hard Drives
Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
PSU
EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
Case
Zalman i3 NEO
Cooling
ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
Keyboard
Corsair
Mouse
Amazon Generic with Cord
Internet Speed
Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
Browser
Firefox and Edge
Antivirus
MS - Defender
Other Info
Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
Well there you have it. Now that some system apps like Notepad, Paint and Snipping Tool are updated through the Store rather than through Windows Update, then removing all Metro apps can have unexpected/unwanted consequences.
Tried to update Notepad through Store. Got an English version. Rolled back.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
I used to use it all the time but now I use Notepad++.. just as basic but it has a tab feature and syntax highlighting. Key for programming.. like in Python.
+1. Also, line numbering, which is very useful.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
When i click on start menu, there should be a button on the right handside(Parallel to "pinned") that says "all apps" if you click on that, it should be in there about halfway down depending on how many programs you have showing there.
Nope. Notepad is not included in Start Menu in Windows 11. Even in OpenShell. Searching also would not help (in OpenShell helps though).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Nope. Notepad is not included in Start Menu in Windows 11. Even in OpenShell. Searching also would not help (in OpenShell helps though).
It is by default but due to you deleted the metro apps as bree explained before install. Thats why it doesn't.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

11[email protected]Viper Steelseries 32gb@ 3600mhzGigabyte 2070 Super 8GB, +200 core + 600 memory
OS
11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Custom
CPU
[email protected]
Motherboard
Gigabyte Gaming X Z490
Memory
Viper Steelseries 32gb@ 3600mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Gigabyte 2070 Super 8GB, +200 core + 600 memory
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 4k HDR, Two 1080p Benq and Samsung
Screen Resolution
3840x2160/2560x1440/1920x1080
Hard Drives
Adata XPG SX8200 PRO 1tb
Samsung EVO 870 500GB
PSU
Corsair RX 650
Case
NZXT h510
Cooling
CM HYPER 212 RGB
Keyboard
Razer Ornata Chroma
Mouse
Steelseries Rival 710
Nope. Notepad is not included in Start Menu in Windows 11.
That appears to be self-inflicted. By default it should be in Start for any install of 11, whether that's a clean install or upgraded from 10.

1635097090691.png
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeAMD Athlon Silver 3050U8GBRadeon Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven in 'Other systems' to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel® Core™ i5-520M8GB(integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround.

    In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround.
    Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.
    In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media.
    Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package.

    Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.
  • My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
By default it should be in Start for any install of 11, whether that's a clean install or upgraded from 10.
The problem is, I knew there was notepad in the system, but I did not know how to start it.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
I had no idea that someone would still use that with something like Notepad++ around.
Man! It was at the moment just after installation. Of course, I installed Notepad++ after that.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
The problem is, I knew there was notepad in the system, but I did not know how to start it.
Right click start menu, choose "run"
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home(RP) - 25H2 -26200.8728AMD Ryzen 5 5600GG.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16Nvidia geforce gtx titan x
OS
Windows 11 Home(RP) - 25H2 -26200.8728
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Banana Junior 5600-G Series
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Motherboard
Asus ROG Strix B550-F
Memory
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia geforce gtx titan x
Monitor(s) Displays
28" ASUS VP28U 4k
Screen Resolution
4K
Hard Drives
Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
PSU
EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
Case
Zalman i3 NEO
Cooling
ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
Keyboard
Corsair
Mouse
Amazon Generic with Cord
Internet Speed
Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
Browser
Firefox and Edge
Antivirus
MS - Defender
Other Info
Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
Man! It was at the moment just after installation. Of course, I installed Notepad++ after that.
Moment after installation (install assistant upgrade from 10) without breaking anything and both options lol
1.jpg
2.jpg
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11Ryzen 5 360032gb DDR4 - 3200MhzEVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Self Built
CPU
Ryzen 5 3600
Motherboard
ASUS Prime X570-P
Memory
32gb DDR4 - 3200Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
Sound Card
Realtek S1200A
Monitor(s) Displays
1. LG 34UM68-P 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS 2. ONN 24-Inch LCD
Screen Resolution
1. 2560 x 1080 2. 1920 x 1080 (side by side 4480 x 1080)
Hard Drives
Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD (OS)
WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
WD BLUE 1TB SATA III (DATA)
PSU
Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 750W
Case
Coolermaster HAF XB EVO
Cooling
Corsair 240mm AIO + 4x 120mm case fans
Keyboard
Standard Logitech
Mouse
Logitech M535
Internet Speed
Gigabit (Cable)
Browser
Firefox, Chrome, Edge
Antivirus
Defender
I'm genuinely baffled that one couldn't find Notepad when a simple search would have revealed it.

Notepad search.png

That said, agree with Bree, if you removed a lot of stuff, you created your own issue.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4770)Intel Core 9 Ultra 285K64G (4x16) DDR5 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinu...Radeon (XFX Mercury) RX 9070XT OC (with Magne...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4770)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel Core 9 Ultra 285K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z890 Xtreme AI Top
    Memory
    64G (4x16) DDR5 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (6400Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon (XFX Mercury) RX 9070XT OC (with Magnetic Fans)
    Sound Card
    Onboard (DTS:X® Ultra Audio: ESS ES9280A DAC)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27-inch Eizo Color Edge - CG2700X
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    4 Samsung NVM 990 Pro drives: 1TB (OS), 2TB, 2 X 4TB.
    PSU
    Seasonic TX-1300 (1300 Watts)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair Link Titan 280 RX RGB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    1TB Download. 512mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4061)Intel Core i9-9900K32gig (4 x 8) Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR4...Radeon XFX Merc 7900XT (20gig)
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.4061)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme
    Memory
    32gig (4 x 8) Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR4 3600Mhz (B-Die)
    Graphics card(s)
    Radeon XFX Merc 7900XT (20gig)
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24-Inch NEC PA242W
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 X NVME, 1 X SATA SSD
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 Watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i Elite AIO Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Keys
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1TB Download. 512mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    Backup System
Notepad is pinned in Open Shell and also is in the Win11 Start menu here, also prefer Notebook plus though.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 22H2 OS Build 22623.1095AMD Ryzen 7 3800X16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 @3000MhzASUS - GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB TUF GAMING OC
    OS
    Windows 11 22H2 OS Build 22623.1095
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Build
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME B350-PLUS
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 @3000Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS - GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB TUF GAMING OC
    Sound Card
    On Board Realtec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    240GB PNY CS900 SSD - OS
    2 x 1TB Crucial MX500 SSD
    1 x 500GB Crucial MX300 SSD
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001-1ER164
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM008-2FR102
    PSU
    750 Watt Corsair TX750 Plus
    Case
    Cooler Master 690 III
    Cooling
    Akasa AK98 5 Case Fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270 - wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech - M185 wireless
    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 build 22621.900Intel i5 - 1040016GB of HyperX Fury @ 2133 MhzEVGA 6GB GTX 1060.
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 build 22621.900
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3881 - modified with SFX PSU fitted internally
    CPU
    Intel i5 - 10400
    Motherboard
    Dell 032w55 version A00
    Memory
    16GB of HyperX Fury @ 2133 Mhz
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 6GB GTX 1060.
    Sound Card
    Builtin
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    256GB SK hynix NVMe
    1TB Western Digital WD10EZEX-75WN4A1
    PSU
    Modular 450 Watt Corsair SF450 Platinum ( Mod to replace the Dell 265 Watt PSU)
    Case
    Inspiron Small Desktop
    Cooling
    Dell stock cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    Dell
    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
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