The automatic saving feature in Windows 11’s Notepad, while helpful for preventing data loss, can sometimes be undesirable. The ability to restore previous sessions can clutter the interface, especially with the tabbed design. If you prefer Notepad to always open a fresh, blank file, here’s how to disable the session restore feature.
Configuring Notepad to Always Open a New Window
This is the most effective way to prevent Notepad from opening previous files.
Step 1: Open Notepad.
You can quickly find it by typing Notepad in the Windows search bar and selecting the app from the results.
Step 2: Access the settings.
Click the Settings gear icon located in the Notepad’s toolbar.
Step 3: Locate the “When Notepad Starts” section.
Scroll down within the Settings menu until you find the When Notepad Starts section, then expand it.
Step 4: Choose “Open a new window”.
Select the Open a new window option to prevent Notepad from restoring previous sessions.
Now, close and reopen Notepad. It should now launch with a blank, untitled document each time.
Re-enabling the Restoration of Previous Sessions in Notepad
If you decide you want Notepad to restore previous sessions after all, you can easily revert the setting.
Step 1: Launch Notepad.
Find and open the Notepad application on your Windows 11 system.
Step 2: Open settings.
Click on the Settings gear icon within the Notepad window.
Step 3: Navigate to the “When Notepad Starts” section.
In the Settings menu, find and expand the When Notepad Starts section.
Step 4: Select “Open content from the previous session”.
Choose the Open content from the previous session option to re-enable the session restore feature.
This guide showed you how to control whether Notepad opens with a new, blank file or restores your previous session. Customize this setting according to your workflow.