WordPad has been officially discontinued and removed from modern versions of Windows 11. To fill this gap, independent developers created WordPad UWP alternatives—modernized, lightweight Rich Text Format (.rtf) editors built specifically for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and WinUI ecosystems. These applications replicate WordPad’s signature “middle-ground” utility (more features than a plain text editor, but faster and lighter than Microsoft Word) while incorporating Fluent design, tabs, and dark mode.
The best modern UWP and community-driven WordPad alternatives are broken down below by category. 🌟 Top 1-to-1 WordPad Replacements (UWP & WinUI)
UltraPad: A modern, free, and open-source recreation built specifically to replace the deprecated Windows WordPad. It features a modern Windows 11-style interface based on Microsoft Paint’s redesign, includes a standard text margin ruler, and retains native support for rich text layout manipulation. You can explore the source and build it via the UltraPad GitHub Repository.
RectifyPad: Part of the community effort to modernize legacy Windows utilities, this is a C#-based open-source application. It directly targets the void left by WordPad’s removal by offering the exact same lightweight rich-text editing experience inside a beautiful, Fluent-designed wrapper. The project is hosted on the RectifyPad GitHub Page.
Ivirius Text Editor: Available on the Microsoft Store, this app is designed closely around WordPad’s core workflow. It provides smooth rich text formatting, low memory overhead, and upgrades the original experience by introducing native multi-document tabs.
Nextpad: A fast, responsive UWP application that handles both Rich Text Documents (.rtf) and Markdown coding seamlessly. It includes modern productivity enhancements like built-in text-to-speech tools and multi-window split views. 📝 Upgraded Plain-Text & Markdown UWP Editors
If you primarily used WordPad for clutter-free note-taking rather than deep text formatting, these modern UWP alternatives offer high performance:
NotepadX: A highly acclaimed UWP plain-text utility that serves as an excellent upgrade to traditional text handlers. It features a simple interface, file-tab switching, and instant file rendering. Find it directly on the Microsoft Store Marketplace.
TowPad: A minimalist UWP text editor designed directly for the Windows environment, providing quick scratchpad capabilities. Check out development progress on the TowPad GitHub Project. 📊 Alternative WordPad Replacements Comparison Architecture / Platform Primary Feature UltraPad WinUI 3 / Windows 11 Native Authentic WordPad Feel Windows 11 Paint-style design language RectifyPad C# / Open-Source Lightweight Rich Text Fluent Design integration Ivirius Text Editor UWP / Microsoft Store Document Multi-tasking Native Tabbed browsing layout Nextpad UWP / Markdown hybrid Modern Hybrid Writers Text-to-Speech engine capabilities NotepadX UWP Plain Text Distraction-free Coding & Notes Ultra-fast load times and file tabs
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