How to Bring Back the Tabs Feature in Notepad on Windows 11

Windows 11 added a tabbed interface to Notepad in version 11.2212.33.0 and later. This feature lets you open multiple text files inside a single Notepad window. If you updated Windows 11 and the tabs are missing, the feature is either disabled in Notepad settings or the app version is outdated. This article explains how to enable tabs in Notepad, check for updates, and troubleshoot when tabs do not appear.

What the Tabs Feature in Notepad Does

The tabs feature in Notepad allows you to open multiple text files in a single window. Each file appears as a separate tab at the top of the window. You can switch between files by clicking a tab, drag tabs to reorder them, or drag a tab out of the window to open it in a new Notepad window. This feature matches the tab behavior found in web browsers and other text editors.

Before tabs were added, opening a second file in Notepad opened a completely separate window. With tabs enabled, you reduce taskbar clutter and keep related files grouped together. The feature also adds a dark mode option and a redesigned settings panel.

Prerequisites for Using Notepad Tabs

You need Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, build 22621.1265 or newer. Notepad must be version 11.2212.33.0 or higher. You can check the Notepad version by opening Notepad, selecting File > Account, and looking under About Notepad. If your version is older, you must update Windows 11 or the Notepad app from the Microsoft Store.

Steps to Enable Tabs in Notepad on Windows 11

1. Open Notepad
   Click the Start button, type Notepad, and press Enter. If you already have Notepad open, close and reopen it to ensure settings load fresh.
2. Open Notepad Settings
   Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the Notepad window. Alternatively, select File > Settings from the menu bar.
3. Enable the tabs toggle
   In the Settings pane, locate the option labeled Open each file in a new tab. Toggle the switch to the On position. The toggle turns blue when enabled.
4. Close Settings and test tabs
   Click the X on the Settings pane to close it. Press Ctrl+N to open a new file, or open multiple text files from File > Open. Each file opens as a new tab in the same Notepad window.

If the toggle is already On but tabs still do not appear, proceed to the update steps below.

Update Notepad via Windows Update

1. Open Windows Update settings
   Press Win+I to open Settings. Select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
2. Check for updates
   Click the Check for updates button. Windows downloads and installs any pending updates, including Notepad updates. Restart your PC if prompted.
3. Verify Notepad version
   Open Notepad, go to File > Account, and confirm the version is 11.2212.33.0 or higher. Then follow the steps in the previous section to enable tabs.

Update Notepad via the Microsoft Store

1. Open Microsoft Store
   Click the Start button, type Store, and press Enter.
2. Go to Library
   Click the Library icon in the lower-left sidebar of the Store window.
3. Get updates
   Click the Get updates button at the top right. The Store checks for updates for all installed apps, including Notepad. If an update is available, it downloads and installs automatically.
4. Launch Notepad and enable tabs
   Open Notepad again, go to Settings, and toggle Open each file in a new tab to On.

Common Issues and Limitations with Notepad Tabs

“Open each file in a new tab” option is missing entirely

If you do not see the tabs setting in Notepad Settings, your Notepad version is too old. The tabs feature was introduced in Notepad version 11.2212.33.0. Run Windows Update and the Microsoft Store update as described above. If the option still does not appear after updates, your Windows 11 build may be below 22621.1265. Go to Settings > System > About and check the OS Build number. If it is lower, install the latest Windows 11 feature update from Settings > Windows Update.

Tabs enabled but every new file opens in a separate window

This happens when the Notepad app is not the default handler for .txt files. Right-click a .txt file, select Open with > Choose another app, select Notepad, and check the box Always use this app to open .txt files. Then click OK. After setting Notepad as the default, open multiple .txt files. They should open as tabs in the same window.

Notepad does not remember the tabs setting after restart

This is a known bug in some early builds of the tabbed Notepad. Ensure you have the latest Notepad version 11.2402.4.0 or newer from the Microsoft Store. If the problem persists, reset the Notepad app: go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Notepad, click the three dots, select Advanced options, and click Reset. After reset, reopen Notepad and enable tabs again.

Notepad Tabs vs Classic Single-Window Mode: Behavior Differences

Item	Tabs Enabled	Classic Mode (Tabs Off)
File opening	Each file opens as a new tab in the same window	Each file opens in a separate Notepad window
Taskbar behavior	One Notepad icon for all open files	One Notepad icon per open file
Drag and drop	Drag a tab out to create a new window or drag files into the tab bar	Not supported
Reordering files	Drag tabs left or right to reorder	Not supported
Closing behavior	Closing the last tab closes the window	Closing the window closes the single file

The tabs feature does not add a tab for the startup tip screen that appears when Notepad opens with no file. To see the tab bar, open at least one file. You can also press Ctrl+N to create a blank document tab.

After enabling tabs, you can now manage multiple text files in one window. Try dragging a tab out to split work across two monitors. If you prefer the old behavior, turn the toggle Off in Notepad Settings. For power users, Notepad tabs also support reopening the last session when you restart the app if the setting Restore previous session is On in Settings.