# notepad.exe

Application Process: Microsoft Corporation

Also called notepad, windows notepad

Windows, Application

Windows Notepad. On Windows 11 the Store package can replace the old System32-only editor while the process name stays notepad.exe.

## What you need to know

This is Notepad. The Windows 11 Store build still uses notepad.exe, not a new mystery name.

notepad.exe is Windows Notepad. Windows 11 ships a Store-updated editor with tabs. The classic System32 notepad still exists for compatibility. Both can show as notepad.exe.

- **Safe?**: Yes, from Windows

  **Why does it look new?**: Windows 11 Store Notepad

  **Should I end it?**: You lose unsaved text

Feex says

If notepad.exe looks like a modern app, I would treat that as the Store Notepad, not as malware restyling Task Manager. The unsaved buffer still dies if you end it.

## What is notepad.exe?

notepad.exe is Notepad. Windows 11 may redirect the command to the Store package. The process name did not become TextInputHost.exe.

## What does it do?

It edits plain text. Tabs and dark mode are the new UI. It is not Word (WINWORD.EXE) and it is not VS Code.

## Why is it running?

You opened a .txt file or ran notepad from Run. A notepad.exe in a payload folder that opens a blank window and then a download is a fake.

## Is it safe?

Usually safe

Microsoft-signed notepad from System32 or WindowsApps is Notepad. A notepad.exe that is 12 MB and launched from Temp is not the editor.

A legitimate copy normally runs from:

`C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe`

- Windows 11 may use the Store package
- Classic System32 file remains for compatibility
- Publisher: Microsoft Corporation

## Can I end it?

Loses unsaved text

Ending notepad.exe closes the editor. Windows 11 Notepad may have session restore. Do not rely on it.

## Can I remove it?

Optional Store app

You can uninstall the Store Notepad on some SKUs. Do not delete System32\notepad.exe to "debloat" a PC you still type on.

## Should it start with Windows?

Notepad should not start with Windows unless a file association or a script opened it.

## Normal resource behavior

These are contextual labels, not universal averages.

- **CPU**: Low except on huge logs

  **Memory**: Follows file size

  **Disk**: The file you opened

  **Network**: None for local files

## File information

| Executable name        | notepad.exe                     |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Common legitimate path | C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe |
| Publisher              | Microsoft Corporation           |
| Signature expectation  | Signed by Microsoft Windows     |

## Common problems

### Two Notepad UIs

Store Notepad versus classic is a Windows 11 feature. The process name stayed notepad.exe on purpose.

### People replace notepad with third-party editors

That is an association change. The old notepad.exe file can still be there.

## Troubleshooting

Diagnose before you change anything destructive.

### Open file location

System32 or WindowsApps. Temp is the wrong answer.

### Reinstall Notepad from Optional features or Store

Do not download notepad.exe from a filename wiki.

## Technical details

Technical details

| Image name | notepad.exe     |
| ---------- | --------------- |
| Product    | Windows Notepad |

## Related

These entities connect to this article. Type is shown on every link.

[Windows Notepad: Application](https://feex.it/wiki/software/windows-notepad)[ApplicationFrameHost.exe: Windows Process](https://feex.it/wiki/process/applicationframehost.exe)

## Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. [How we research](https://feex.it/wiki/research).

- [Microsoft Support: Notepad ](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/notepad)· Current Notepad
- [Microsoft Store: Windows Notepad ](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9msmlrh6lzf3)· Store package
- [Foxhole process map ](https://foxhole.feex.it/)· First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

## Was this article useful?

A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.

Quick facts

The short identity of this page. Specs, sources, and the full story stay in the article.

- **Type**: Application Process

  **Publisher**: Microsoft Corporation

  **Executable**: notepad.exe

  **Parent app**: [Windows Notepad](https://feex.it/wiki/software/windows-notepad)

  **Mapped by Feex**: Seen on Windows PCs in Foxhole

Feex Reviewed: Last verified August 2026

---

Source: [Canonical Feex Wiki page](https://feex.it/wiki/process/notepad.exe/)

[Developer guide](https://feex.it/wiki/developers/) | [API policy](https://feex.it/developers/api-policy/) | [Agent guidance](https://feex.it/wiki/llms.txt)