[Solved] Cannot Create New Text Document in Windows 11/10

5 mins read

Updated on 2025-05-23 12:34:07 to Windows Fix

Cannot create a new text document on Windows 11 or 10? Well, you are not alone. Many users have complained that the “New Text Document” option is not present in the right-click context menu. There are several reasons why this problem may occur, ranging from periodic system updates to registry issues or conflicting third-party software. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to bring back this functionality that we will be exploring in this guide.

fix cannot create new text document windows 11

Part 1. Why is Create New Text Document missing in Windows 11/10

Why can't you create a New Text Document in Windows 10/11? In fact, several reasons may cause the issue that you cannot create a new text document option is missing from the Windows context menu, including,

  • System Updates: Some of the Window updates may accidentally delete or hide context menu entries leading to Windows 11 create text file missing option.
  • Registry Errors: Corrupted or missing registry keys related to .txt files can be the cause of this problem.
  • Third-Party Software: Applications, such as Notepad++ or other text editors, could change default file associations or context menu entries.
  • File Association Changes: The option may be lost if .txt files are linked with another application.

So, if you can't create a new text document in Windows 10/11, we will share the most effective solutions in the following section.

Part 2. How to Solve Cannot Create New Text Document in Windows 11/10 Issue [5 Fixes]

If you are unable to create a text file on your Windows computer because the option is not available, you can try the following methods and resolve the issue.

Method 1. Create a New Word Document & Rename It to [filename].txt

In case the option for the text document is not there, you can make a Word document and rename its extension to .txt. Although not a permanent fix, this allows you to manually create a text file until the context menu problem is solved.

This is one of the best and easiest options for when you are looking for an instant solution when you can’t create a new text document.

  • Right-click on the desktop or inside a folder.

  • Select “New” and then “Microsoft Word Document”.

  • Name the file as desired.

  • After creation, right-click the file and choose “Rename”.

  • Change the file extension from “.docx’ to “.txt”. Confirm the change when prompted.

  • Restart your computer to ensure changes take effect.

Method 2. Restore the Context Menu via .REG File

The option for "New Text Document" is often recovered when the Windows Registry is edited. This is achieved through importation of a .reg file or manually tweaking entries to include back a .txt file to your right-click context menu. With this method, you will be able to add a text document to the new context menu.

So, follow the steps below, and you can add a text file to the context menu in Windows 11 with ease.

  • Download the context file “restore_new_text_document_context_menu_item.reg” and double-click it to run it.

  • When running this file, authenticate as many times as asked.

  • Once done, restart the explorer.exe or your PC and you will solve the issue.

Method 3. Reset File Associations for .txt Files via Notepad

Corrupt or altered associations of files may prevent Windows from proposing the text document option. Changing the default program of .txt files may allow Windows to find and restore the context menu item that is missing. If you are also facing the Windows 11 new text option gone issue, then the guide below will help you get rid of this issue.

  • Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Then go to “Apps” > “Default apps”.

  • Scroll down and click "Choose default apps by file type".

    choose default apps by file type
  • Find ".txt" in the list and click on the current app icon next to it.

  • Select "Notepad" (or your preferred text editor) from the list of available apps.

  • Make sure to check the box that says "Always use this app to open .txt files". Later, click "OK".

    always use notepad to open txt files

Method 4. Reinstall the Notepad App

The default Notepad app in Windows is required to create .txt files. If you are facing Win11 new text file option is missing or damaged, this option might disappear from new text documents. Notepad can be reinstalled through the Microsoft Store, and this can often restore this functionality.

However, the more convenient option is to reset the app as explained below.

  • Go to your computer's "Settings" and choose "Apps" to go to "Installed Apps".

  • Find the "Notepad" app, click the "..." icon and go to "Advanced options".

  • Click “Reset” or “Uninstall” to delete the Notepad app.

    reset notepad from windows settings
  • Subsequently, to show the “New Text Document”, you also need to restart File Explorer. Just open Task Manager to choose "Windows Explorer", then click "Restart Task".

Method 5. Check and Repair Corrupted System Files

If all the above solutions fail to cure the issue, win11 new text file option missing could be because of corrupted system files or bad sectors in your hard drive. Over a period, Windows system data may get corrupted, and this may lead to loss of right click choices such as "New Text Document".

To overcome this, you can make use of File Repair feature of 4DDiG Partition Manager. This tool identifies bad sectors and bad system data on your disk and automatically fixes them. It is the easy yet strong approach to make sure that your drive and file system are working properly, helping to recover missing context menu options without undergoing complicated manual procedures.

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Steps To Repair Corrupted System Data Using 4DDiG Partition Manager

  • Launch your 4DDiG Partition Manager software and go to “Partition Management”.

  • Tap on “Temperature” or “Status” under the “Disk Healthy” section to check system data errors.

    check disk hehy
  • To repair the corrupted system data, please go to "Toolkit", now choose the "Repair Partitions" option.

    repair partitions having corrupted system data
  • Select your desired disk where cannot create new text document in Windows 11/10 and click the "Repair Now" button.

    start repairing system data to fix cannot create new text document win11
  • Once the files are repaired, you can end the process by clicking "Finish. Now you can check if the create new text document option is missing from windows context menu. If you repaired the right partition this issue would be gone.

Part 3. People Also Ask about Cannot create a New Text Document on Windows 11/10

Q1: Do you know the shortcut to create a new text file in Windows 11?

Yes. To create a new folder, press Ctrl + Shift + N. You can open Notepad by pressing Win + R and typing in Notepad, and pressing Enter to make a new text file. Then, simply save the file with the name of your choice.

Q2: How to make a new .txt file?

Start Notepad, enter your content, and save (“File” then “Save As”) in your preferred location with a name having a .txt extension.

Q3: How do I add a new text document to the right-click menu in Windows 10?

You can use the Regedit method by going to “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.txt” and editing registry files to get the shortcut back in your Windows menu as explained in the method 2.

Q4: How to create a text document on a Mac?

Open the application TextEdit and type in your content and press File then Save. Select location you want, enter a filename and click save.

Conclusion

It can be quite annoying, when you cannot create new text document Windows 11 /10 with the right-click context menu. However, if you follow the above methods, then you can restore this functionality. In case the problem persists, opt for usage of system repair tools or further help from Microsoft’s support.

However, if you are facing this issue because of a corrupted system file, then 4DDiG Partition Manager is your best choice. It can take care of all the issues you are facing regarding corrupted system files and much more.

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Sawart Mashab (senior editor)

Sawart Mashab, the content writer for 4DDiG, is adept at creating informative and practical solutions related to Windows and macOS issues, data recovery, file repair, and RAID storage.

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