6 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Notepad Crashing
Proven Methods to Keep Notepad Running Smoothly on Windows 11

This article will give you six ways to fix a Windows 11 Notepad crashing problem and address the Notepad crash code. We all lead busy lives, and it can be very frustrating when your software, such as Notepad, crashes unexpectedly. Notepad may crash for various reasons. We will discuss those reasons here too.
Why does Notepad keep crashing on Windows 11?
Windows 11 notepad may be crashing for various reasons, and they include:
- Insufficient memory: Notepad may be crashing due to insufficient memory. The RAM has to be in good condition to allow Notepad to run successfully.
- Outdated OS: Notepad may crash if the operating system is out-of-date.
- Compatibility issues: Notepad may crash due to compatibility issues with the latest Windows 11 software.
- Applications conflict: Notepad may crash if there are conflicts with other recently installed programs.
- Virus or malware: Notepad may crash if there is a virus or malware on the system.
- Settings: Notepad may be crashing due to incorrect settings or corrupt files.
- System resources: Notepad may crash on Windows 11 because it doesn’t have enough system resources.
- Hardware malfunction: Notepad may crash on Windows 11 due to a malfunctioning hardware component.
How do I stop Notepad from crashing on Windows 11?
The solutions below can effectively solve the Notepad crashing problems on your Windows 11 PC. However, we recommend you try these prefixes first:
- Restart PC: Restarting a PC can clear out any temporary files stored in memory, causing Notepad to crash. It can also help reset any settings that may be causing an issue. It can help to detect another potential Notepad crash code.
- Reinstall Notepad Windows 11: Reinstalling Notepad on Windows 11 can help stop frequent crashing by replacing damaged or corrupted files.
- Set Notepad as the Default Text Editor: Notepad is a built-in text editor available on all Windows computers. Notepad is less likely to crash compared to other third-party programs. It is also concise and lightweight, so it won’t take up system resources even when editing large files.
- Do disk cleanup: Disk cleanup can help remove temporary and unnecessary files that can take up disk space and cause applications to crash.
- Remove temporary files: Deleting unnecessary temporary files reduces the amount of storage that Notepad needs to run correctly.
- Increase the virtual memory: By increasing the virtual memory, you can provide additional memory to the program, which can help stop Notepad from crashing on Windows 11.
- Scan, repair, and update drivers: This process helps to keep computer components up-to-date with the latest drivers, offering improved performance, security, and compatibility with other hardware and software.
1. Repair the Notepad app
- Press Windows + I keys simultaneously to open the Settings app.
- Secondly, select Apps from the left pane.
- Then, select Installed apps on the right of the display.
- After that, locate the Notepad app, click on the ellipses next to it, and select Advanced options.
- Once the next screen displays, click on the Repair button.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- When the process is complete, you will see a checkmark next to the Repair button.
- Finally, restart the PC and relaunch Notepad.
2. Run System File Checker scan
- Press the Windows and S keys together and enter cmd in the search field.
- Then, select Run as administrator on the right side to launch the Command Prompt as an admin.
- When UAC prompts you, click on Yes to proceed.
- After Command Prompt opens, enter the following command into the console and hit Enter to begin an SFC scan:
sfc /scannow
- When the scan is complete, enter the command below and press Enter to run the command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Finally, it would be best to restart your computer to implement repairs.
3. Run Notepad troubleshooter
- Press the Window + I hotkeys to open the Settings menu.
- Then click System.
- Now you should select Troubleshoot.
- Afterward, select Other troubleshooters.
- Click Notepad, select Run, and follow the instructions.
4. Use Optional Features
- Press Windows + S keys together and search for Optional features. Then, click on Optional features option to open it.
- Under Installed features, search for notepad.
- When it returns a result, expand Notepad (system) and click on Uninstall.
- Afterward, wait for the process to complete.
- Then, restart your PC.
- Again, press Windows + S keys together and search for Optional features. Then, click on Optional features option to open it.
- Then, click on View features next to Add an optional feature.
- Search for notepad in the field with the magnifying glass icon, check the box next to Notepad (system), then click the Next button at the bottom of the display.
- Then, click on Install on the next sets of options.
- Once you done that, wait for the installation process to complete.
- Then, launch the Notepad and observe for errors.
5. Check for hardware error
- Firstly, press the Windows and S buttons on your keyboard, search for cmd, and choose Run as administrator.
- Enter the following command in the Command Prompt window and press the Enter key:
chkdsk /f /r
- Finally, enter Y, restart your PC so the utility can check for file system errors, and search and shield bad sectors.
6. Perform clean boot
- Press the Windows and R buttons to open the Run dialog.
- Now type msconfig in the Run entry box and press Enter or click the Ok button.
- Then find the Services tab, click on it, and tick on the Hide all Microsoft services box.
- Click on the Disable all button and then click Apply.
- Select the Startup tab and then click Open Task Manager.
- Now right-click on the first enabled app on the Task Manager tab and click Disable.
- Finally, follow step 6 to disable all enabled applications one after the other.
- After disabling the apps, close Task Manager.
- Restart your PC.
In conclusion, Windows 11 Notepad crashing can cause frustration, but several solutions are available. Following the six steps above should fix Windows 11 Notepad crashing and have a more stable and reliable Windows 11 experience.
If all else fails, you can always consider a complete reinstall of Windows 11, but hopefully, this won’t be necessary. While these are all recommended steps, if the Notepad crash continues, it might be wise to consult a professional computer technician for more assistance.