How to Make Notepad Behave Like Notepad in Windows 10
If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you might have noticed some subtle but frustrating changes in the behavior of familiar applications like Notepad. Specifically, when you double-click a word in Notepad, it behaves differently than it did in Windows 10. In this article, we’ll explore these differences and provide some guidance on how to adjust Notepad’s behavior to make it feel more like its predecessor.
Understanding the Changes
In Windows 10, double-clicking a word in Notepad would highlight the entire word, making it easy for users to copy, cut, or delete as needed. Many users appreciate this functionality as it streamlines text editing, particularly for those who heavily rely on Notepad for note-taking or coding.
However, Microsoft introduced some changes in Windows 11 that modified how Notepad handles text selection. Now, when you double-click on a word, it highlights only the individual letters instead of the whole word. This might seem like a minor adjustment, but for many users, it disrupts their workflow and can be a source of irritation.
Interestingly, if you use Notepad++, a more advanced text editing tool, double-clicking the same word highlights it correctly, similar to how it functioned in Windows 10. This inconsistency between applications adds to the frustration, especially for users who frequently switch between these two tools.
Solutions to Restore Windows 10 Behavior in Notepad
Unfortunately, there isn’t a built-in setting in Windows 11 to revert Notepad to its previous behavior directly. However, here are a couple of tips that may help ease the transition and enhance your text editing experience:
- Use Notepad++: If the primary issue is with the text highlighting functionality, consider switching to Notepad++. Notepad++ is a powerful text editor that not only retains the double-click behavior you expect but also provides many advanced features like syntax highlighting, customizable themes, and plugin support. Making Notepad++ your primary text editing tool may save you time and frustration.
- Feedback to Microsoft: Microsoft actively seeks user feedback for new updates and applications. If you are unhappy with Notepad’s current functionality in Windows 11, consider submitting your feedback through the Feedback Hub app. Your input could influence future updates, potentially restoring the behavior that many users desire.
- Explore Alternative Text Editors: Apart from Notepad++, there are numerous other text editors available that may fulfill your requirements and provide the expected functionality. Editors like Sublime Text, Atom, or Visual Studio Code are some excellent alternatives that offer various features tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
While the changes in Windows 11 Notepad may feel inconvenient for users accustomed to the operating system’s prior version, there are ways to adapt or altogether switch tools. Whether you opt for Notepad++, provide feedback to Microsoft, or explore other text editing software, it’s essential to find a solution that works for you to maintain your productivity and comfort while editing text. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that your text editing experience is as seamless and efficient as it can be, mirroring the familiarity and ease you enjoyed in Windows 10.
Add comment