Notepad Remembers Now

Notepad Remembers Now

Windows Notepad remembers where you left off. With “Continue Previous Session,” your open tabs and unsaved notes return automatically. No more lost thoughts. No more manual reopenings.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 22, 2025

Have you ever lost a thought in Notepad?

You’re typing away, maybe a quick draft, a grocery list, or a few lines of code. 

Then something interrupts you. 

You close Notepad, reboot, or switch tasks. Later, you open it again and… nothing. 

Blank slate. 

That moment is gone.

For years, Notepad was the digital equivalent of a sticky note. 

Fast, disposable, and forgetful. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set Continue Session State in Microsoft Notepad.

Feature Explanation

“Continue Previous Session” in Windows 11 Notepad automatically restores your open tabs and unsaved content when you relaunch the app. 

It’s part of a broader refresh that includes tabs, autosave, spell check, and dark mode. 

But this one stands out because it solves a real problem: losing context.

Whether you’re jotting down ideas, debugging code, or keeping a running to-do list, Notepad picks up right where you left off. 

No need to save manually. 

No need to remember filenames. 

It’s like having a digital desk that stays exactly how you left it.

What You'll Gain

• Save time by skipping manual reopenings.
•  Reduce friction when switching tasks or rebooting.
• Stay focused by preserving your workflow.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On Windows 11 Desktop

1. Open Notepad.
2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
3. Under “Opening Notepad" find the option labeled “When Notepad starts.”
4. Select “Continue previous session.”
5. Close the Settings window.
6. Reopen Notepad to test it.

fig. 1 - Notepad Setting: Continue Previous Session

iOS / Android

• This feature is currently only available on Windows 11. Mobile versions do not support session restore.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Seamless recovery of unsaved notes.
• Ideal for multitaskers and frequent rebooters.
• Works with tabbed interface for multiple files.

Cons:

• May reopen sensitive content unintentionally.
• No granular control over which files reopen.
• Not available on mobile or older Windows versions.

Feature Access

• Available to all Windows 11 users.
• No Microsoft 365 subscription required.
• Not available on Windows 10 or mobile platforms.

Score

Criterion  |  Score  |  Justification

Value 9

Saves time and preserves context for everyday users.

Usability 9

One toggle in Settings—no training required.

Wow Factor 8

Subtle but delightful. Users often say “Finally!”

Total: 26/30 🌟 Excellent. 

Highly recommended for immediate use.

Key Takeaways

Windows Notepad’s memory feature is a quiet revolution. 

It’s simple, effective, and solves a problem users didn’t know could be fixed. 

If you use Notepad regularly, this is a must-enable.

Try It Yourself

Enable “Continue Previous Session” today and see how much smoother your workflow becomes. 

Share your experience in the comments, subscribe to the newsletter, and pass this tip along to your team.

READ MORE

• Markdown Comes to Notepad
  
• Notepad Rewrite: Revolutionizing Text Editing with AI
  
• How to Use Notepad’s New Spell Check in Windows 11
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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