Until about a year ago, the Notepad in the Windows operating system was a basic note-taking app. It did not pack in the fancy features that were available in third-party note-taking apps such as the popular Notepad++.
However, the Notepad in the latest Windows 11 is a different beast. Microsoft has added several new features to the Notepad. In fact, the Notepad now looks very similar to a web browsing app, thanks to tabs.
All computer users know how to use tabs, thanks to web browsers. The tabs in the new Notepad app also work just like in web browsers. With tabs, you can now open multiple notes/files in tabs in the same window. This also means you can quickly switch between your notes.
While the tabs feature in Notepad is a much-awaited feature, and many users are enjoying it, there are users who would love to use Notepad without tabs.
Can we disable or turn off tabs in Windows 11 Notepad?
If you do not like tabs in Notepad, you will be disappointed to know that you cannot disable or remove the tabs completely. You can only partially disable tabs in the new Notepad unless you do not mind installing the old (legacy) Notepad app.
Steps to partially disable or turn off tabs in Windows 11
As of now, the Notepad in Windows 11, lets you configure it to open new notes/files in a new window instead of a new tab. This way, you can always open files in the new Notepad window instead of using the tabs. However, the option to open a new tab will continue to appear. So, you cannot completely disable or turn off the tabs feature in the new Notepad app. Here is how to partially disable the tabs in Windows 11 Notepad.
Step 1: Open the Notepad app. Click the cogwheel/settings icon in the Notepad toolbar to open the Notepad settings page.
Step 2: Here, in the Opening Notepad section, select Open in a new window from the drop-down menu against Opening files to always open a file in a new Notepad window instead of a new tab.
From now on, whenever you open a file in Notepad, it will be opened in a new Notepad window instead of the current window in a new tab.
Restore old Notepad to disable tabs in Windows 11
As said earlier, there is a way to disable the tabs and other new features. All you need to do is install and use the old Notepad in Windows 11.
As you likely know, the old Notepad does not support tabs, dark mode, spell check, and other new features. If you do not mind using the old Notepad app, you can install it and use it on Windows 11 as well.
For directions, refer to our how-to install the old Notepad in Windows 11 guide.
Phil says
As of October it appears the option to “Open in a new window” has been blocked. The script is still there but it does not work. The Tab are still showing. When Notepad starts options have no function. It looks as if you have removed the option to keep tabs or new window has bee deactivated since the update 24H2.
Some my like it me and a lot of others throughout the world do not want TABS. Please correct and give the option to choose.