Notepad app to bring tabs support on Windows 11

Windows 11's Notepad app will receive support for tabs in future updates, according to a screenshot leak.

Notepad tabs for Windows 11
Notepad tabs for Windows 11
  • Notepad to get support for tabs on Windows 11.
  • The screenshot leaked onto the web but was later removed.
  • It’s unclear when (and if) the feature will become available.

Microsoft plans to update its Notepad app to bring support for tabs on Windows 11. An employee originally leaked a screenshot that showed an early version of Notepad with tabs and a warning advising employees not to discuss features or take screenshots.

Although a screenshot made its way to the internet regardless of the notice, it was deleted from Twitter by the tweet’s author (via Neowin). Others managed to re-post the screenshot but also deleted the post shortly after.

The tabs interface 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.

If the tabs feature for Notepad works exactly as in File Explorer, you may be able to create and close tabs with dedicated buttons in the interface above the file menu. You may be able to 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.

While it may seem clear that the company plans not to make tabs exclusive for File Explorer, it’s unclear when the feature will arrive to everyone.

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 14 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 20 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.