How to Fix Tabs Not Showing in Notepad on Windows 11

Tabs in Notepad are one of the most useful improvements Microsoft has brought to Windows 11. They make it easy to work on multiple text files at once without cluttering your desktop with separate windows. But sometimes, users find that the tab feature doesn’t show up at all — either the “+” button is missing, new files open in separate windows, or the entire tab bar is gone.

If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry — it’s usually caused by outdated app versions, disabled app updates, unsupported Windows builds, corrupted system components, or certain settings preventing the feature from loading.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through all the effective ways to fix tabs not showing in Notepad on Windows 11, so you can get the feature working exactly as intended.

Let’s get started!

Why Tabs Might Not Show in Notepad

Before jumping into the solutions, here are the most common causes:

• You’re using an outdated version of Notepad
• Your Windows build is older than 22H2
• The Notepad app is corrupted or improperly installed
• App updates are disabled from the Microsoft Store
• System files related to inbox apps are damaged
• You’re running the wrong app variant (e.g., the classic Win32 version)
• Experimental features not enabled on your system

Now that you know the possible root causes, let’s move on to the fixes.

How to Fix Tabs Not Showing in Notepad on Windows 11

Follow these fixes one by one until tabs appear again in Notepad.

1. Update the Notepad App from the Microsoft Store

Tabs were introduced in early 2023, so older app versions will not include them.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click Library in the bottom-left corner.
3. Click Get updates.
4. Find Notepad in the list and update it.

After updating, restart Notepad and check if tabs appear.

2. Make Sure Your Windows Version Supports Tabs (Windows 11 22H2 or Later)

Tabs require Windows 11 22H2, build 22621 or newer.

Check your Windows version:

1. Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
2. Look for:
   • Version 22H2 or 23H2
   • OS Build 22621+

If you’re on an older build, update Windows:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install all available updates.

Tabs won’t work on Windows 10 or early Windows 11 builds.

3. Ensure You Are Using the Modern Store Version of Notepad

Windows also includes the classic Win32 Notepad executable.
Tabs do not work on the old Notepad.

To confirm you’re using the correct version:

1. Open Notepad.
2. Click Settings (gear icon) at the top right.

If you don’t see a Settings icon, you’re using the old version.

Fix:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Default apps.
2. Search for Notepad.
3. Set file types to the Microsoft Store version, not the classic version.
4. Or uninstall the old Notepad via Optional Features:
   • Settings → Apps → Optional features
   • Search for “Notepad”
   • Remove it
   • Reinstall from Microsoft Store

4. Reinstall Notepad from the Microsoft Store

If the app is corrupted or missing components, reinstall it.

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Search Notepad.
3. Select Uninstall.
4. Open the Microsoft Store, search for Notepad, and install it again.

Open Notepad again — tabs should be available now.

5. Check if Optional Features Are Blocking the New Notepad

Some debloat scripts or system tweaks remove modern Windows apps.

Verify Notepad:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Optional features.
2. Search for Notepad.
3. If missing, reinstall from the Store.

6. Reset Notepad to Default Settings

Resetting clears corrupted configuration files.

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Search for Notepad.
3. Click the three dots → Advanced options.
4. Click Reset.

Launch Notepad and check for tabs.

7. Enable Windows Store App Updates

If app updates are disabled, you’re stuck on old Notepad builds.

To enable app updates:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Click Profile icon → App settings.
3. Turn on App updates.

Now update Notepad again.

8. Run Windows System File Checker (Fix Corrupted System Components)

If system files related to inbox apps are corrupted, Notepad may fail to update.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run:

sfc /scannow

3. After the scan, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC and test Notepad again.

9. Switch Out of Windows Insider Program (If Using a Buggy Build)

Some preview builds temporarily break Notepad features.

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program.
2. Change to Release Preview or Stop receiving previews.

After switching, install stable updates to restore Notepad tabs.

10. Install the Latest Windows Experience Pack

Tabs in Notepad were tied to certain experience pack updates.

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update.
2. Install Windows Feature Experience Pack updates if available.

Restart Notepad.

11. Force Notepad to Reset Through PowerShell (Advanced Option)

If Notepad still doesn’t show tabs:

1. Open PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsNotepad* | Reset-AppxPackage

Restart Windows.

12. As a Last Resort: Create a New Windows User Profile

User profile corruption sometimes prevents app features from appearing.

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Other users.
2. Create a new local or Microsoft account.
3. Sign in and test Notepad.

If tabs work here, your old profile was corrupt.

Wrapping Up

Tabs in Notepad are a fantastic productivity boost — but when they don’t appear, it usually comes down to outdated app versions, missing updates, or corrupted system components. The good news is that most fixes are easy, and following the methods in this guide should restore the tabbed interface quickly.