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How to Fix WordPad Opening Files as Unreadable Encoded Text
Question details
The user is attempting to open document files, but instead of normal text, the application displays unreadable or encoded characters.
- Product
- WordPad
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening existing document files (.doc, .docx, or unknown formats) using default Windows text editors.
- Observed behavior
- Files opened in the text editor appear as gibberish, encoded symbols, or raw unreadable text instead of their actual formatted content.
Check the exact file extension (such as .docx, .doc, or .txt) of your unreadable document to identify which program originally created it and should be used to open it.
Open the Document Using Microsoft Word or Compatible Software
Using a dedicated word processor instead of a basic text editor ensures that complex formatting and encoding are parsed correctly.
WordPad has very limited support for modern document formats like .docx. Opening documents created in Microsoft Word using WordPad often results in formatting loss or encoded gibberish.
Right-click the problematic document in File Explorer, select 'Properties', and check the 'Type of file' section to see if it is a .doc or .docx file.
Right-click the file again, hover over 'Open with', and choose 'Microsoft Word' or 'WPS Office' from the context menu.
To prevent this issue in the future, select 'Choose another app', pick your preferred word processor, and check the box that says 'Always use this app to open files'.
Verify You Are Not Using Notepad by Mistake
Notepad is designed exclusively for plain text (.txt) and will display any rich text or document format as unreadable symbols.
Upgrade Your Software for Windows 11 Version 24H2
Microsoft has officially deprecated and removed WordPad from modern Windows updates, meaning you must transition to a new default document viewer.
Open Any Document Format Easily with WPS Office
Since WordPad struggles with modern formats and is officially removed from newer Windows versions, WPS Office serves as the perfect free replacement. It easily opens .doc, .docx, .rtf, and .txt files without unreadable text issues.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows PC.
- 2. Right-click the unreadable file: Locate the document that appears encoded in WordPad or Notepad and right-click it.
- 3. Open with WPS: Select 'Open with' from the menu and choose WPS Office to view the document with perfect formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my .docx file look like code when opened in WordPad?
WordPad lacks the capability to properly parse the advanced XML structures and formatting used in modern .docx files. As a result, it fails to translate the underlying code into readable text, displaying encoded characters instead. You must use Microsoft Word or a compatible processor like WPS Office to open these files.
Is WordPad permanently removed from Windows 11?
Yes, Microsoft has deprecated WordPad and permanently removed it starting from Windows 11 version 24H2. It will no longer be available or updated, which is why users are encouraged to switch to alternative word processors.
How can I change the default app for opening documents?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps. Search for the specific file extension (like .docx or .rtf) and click on the current default app to change it to your preferred word processor.
Can I recover a file that saved as gibberish in Notepad?
If you opened a rich document in Notepad, saw gibberish, and saved it, the original formatting is likely permanently corrupted. You can attempt to right-click the file, go to 'Properties', and check the 'Previous Versions' tab to see if Windows has an uncorrupted backup available.
