Notepad app gets tabs support on Windows 11

Tabs support officially arrives for the Notepad version of Windows 11, and here's how to get it.

Notepad tabs on Windows 11
Notepad tabs on Windows 11
  • Tabs support arrives for Notepad on Windows 11.
  • The feature works exactly as tabs for File Explorer.
  • Microsoft is rolling out the new Notepad with tabs in the Dev Channel.

The Notepad app for Windows 11 gets tabs support, and you can download it now. According to the official announcement, Notepad version 11.2212.33.0 is now rolling out for devices enrolled in the Dev Channel

The tabs feature works the same as tabs for File Explorer and in the browser. Instead of opening multiple instances of the note-taking app, you will be able to work on multiple text files in the same instance of Notepad.

Notepad with multiple tabs
Notepad with multiple tabs

If the tabs feature for Notepad works exactly as in File Explorer, you will be able to create and close tabs with dedicated buttons in the interface above the file menu. You can also duplicate and rearrange tabs using the mouse. And you may be able to use keyboard shortcuts like “Ctrl + N” to create or “Ctrl + W” to close tabs.

In addition, the update also brings other improvements to managing unsaved files, such as automatically generating the file name and tab title based on content and a refreshed unsaved changes indicator.

Furthermore, in the Notepad settings, there’s a new “Opening files” option that allows you to choose where your files are opened, including in a new tab or new window.

Notepad tabs settings
Notepad tabs settings

If your computer already has Windows 11 build 25281 or higher release, the updated version of Notepad with tabs is probably already present. Otherwise, you can update the app from the Microsoft Store Library section and click the “Get updates” button.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].