How to Create a New Text File on Windows 11
Learn how to create a new text file, edit it using Notepad, and save your changes in Windows 11.
Introduction
Text files are one of the simplest and most commonly used file types in Windows. They can be used for notes, reminders, configuration files, code snippets, and many other purposes. In this guide, you will learn how to create a new text file, add content to it using Notepad, and save your changes.
Right-Click on the Desktop
Navigate to your Windows desktop and right-click on an empty area. This will open the Windows context menu containing various actions you can perform.
Make sure you click on an empty space and not on an existing file or folder.
Select New → Text Document
In the context menu, hover over or click New and then select Text Document. Windows will immediately create a new text file on the desktop.
The new file will initially have a default name such as "New Text Document.txt".
Name the Text File
Type a name for your new text file and press Enter. For example, you could name it "April 20, 2026" or any other descriptive name.
Windows automatically adds the .txt extension unless file extensions are configured to be visible.
You have successfully created a new text file on your Windows 11 desktop.
Editing the Text File
Open the File in Notepad
Right-click the text file and select Edit in Notepad from the context menu. This will open the file in Notepad, allowing you to add or modify text.
Depending on your Windows configuration, you may see "Open with Notepad" instead.
Add Text Content
Enter any text you would like to store inside the file. For example:
Today on April 20, 2026, I am creating a new video for my Clever Techie YouTube channel on how to create a new text file on Windows 11.
Text files can contain notes, instructions, code snippets, logs, or any other plain text information.
Save the File
Click File in the Notepad menu and then select Save. This will save the text you have entered into the file.
You can also press Ctrl + S on your keyboard to save more quickly.
Close Notepad
After saving the file, click File → Exit or simply close the Notepad window using the X button in the upper-right corner.
Your changes remain saved even after Notepad is closed.
Text files use the .txt extension and store plain text without formatting. They can be opened by Notepad and many other text editors.
Save Frequently
While editing any document, it is a good habit to press Ctrl + S regularly to avoid losing your work.
- ✓ Right-clicked on the desktop
- ✓ Selected New → Text Document
- ✓ Named the text file
- ✓ Opened the file in Notepad
- ✓ Added text content
- ✓ Saved the file
- ✓ Closed Notepad
You now know how to create a new text file, edit it using Notepad, and save your changes on Windows 11.