File Format & Compatibility

How to Open Word Documents with WordPad in Windows 11

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is looking for ways to open Word or RTF documents using WordPad in Windows 11, particularly when files default to opening in Microsoft Word.

Product: WordPad / Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Trying to view or edit an RTF or Word document with WordPad, but the system forces the file to open in Microsoft Word due to altered default settings.
Observed behavior: Files that were created with or previously associated with WordPad are automatically opening in Microsoft Word.

Before you start

Verify that WordPad is still installed on your Windows 11 system by searching for it in the Start menu, as Microsoft has begun deprecating and removing WordPad in recent Windows updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Open Documents Directly from Within WordPad

Bypass file association issues by launching WordPad first and opening the document manually from the application's menu.

If Microsoft Word has hijacked the default file association for RTF or document files, the easiest workaround is to open the WordPad application before selecting your file. This guarantees the file will be processed by WordPad without needing to change system settings.

Launch WordPad

Click the Windows Start menu, type 'WordPad' in the search bar, and click the application icon to open it.

Navigate to the Open Menu

In the top-left corner of the WordPad window, click on 'File' and select 'Open' from the drop-down menu.

Select Your Document

Browse to the folder containing your RTF or Word document. If you do not see your file, ensure the file type drop-down in the bottom right corner is set to 'All Documents (*.*)'. Select the file and click 'Open'.

Compatibility Notice: While WordPad can open simple .docx files, some advanced formatting from Microsoft Word might not display correctly.

Solution 2

Set WordPad as the Default Application for RTF Files

Modify Windows 11 settings to ensure that double-clicking an RTF file automatically opens it in WordPad.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office as a Feature-Rich Alternative to WordPad

With Microsoft officially deprecating WordPad in Windows 11, now is the perfect time to switch to a more capable editor. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that handles Word documents, RTF files, and PDFs effortlessly without the high subscription costs of Microsoft Office.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the installation wizard.
2. Set as Default Document Editor: Right-click any RTF or Word document, select 'Open with' > 'Choose another app'.
3. Apply Association: Select 'WPS Office', check the box for 'Always use this app to open files', and click 'OK'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.doc, .docx) and Rich Text Format (.rtf).Completely free and lightweight, making it a perfect upgrade from WordPad.Familiar tabbed interface allows you to start working immediately with no learning curve.Includes advanced editing tools, spell check, and built-in PDF conversion.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is WordPad missing from my Windows 11 computer?

Microsoft has officially announced the deprecation of WordPad. In newer builds and updates of Windows 11, the application is being permanently removed from the operating system. You will need to use alternative software like WPS Office, Microsoft Word, or Notepad.

How do I fix RTF files always opening in Microsoft Word?

This happens because the file association for .rtf files has been linked to Microsoft Word. You can fix this by going to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps, searching for '.rtf', and changing the default assigned program back to WordPad or another preferred document editor.

Can WordPad properly edit .docx files?

WordPad has limited support for .docx files. While it can open and edit simple text, complex formatting, tables, and images created in Microsoft Word may be lost or displayed incorrectly. For full compatibility, it is best to use dedicated office software like WPS Office.

Document & File Issues