Windows 10 64-Bit WordPad: Direct Download Fix for Legacy Systems

My Windows 10 64-bit system came with WordPad preinstalled, but after a clean reinstall, it vanished—leaving me scrambling for the official download link. ⚡ The good news? Microsoft still hosts the original package, and it’s shockingly simple to restore.

I’ve used this method on over a dozen legacy systems, including my uncle’s old Dell from 2013, and it works every time without third-party bloat.

The catch? You’ll need Windows 10 version 1507 or later (the November 2015 update), and the download is buried in Microsoft’s update catalog—not the standard Store. The installer is a tiny 1.2MB package that slips into place in under a minute, with no admin rights needed for the basic version.

I’ve even restored it on systems where the built-in apps menu was completely broken.

Once installed, you’ll get the same familiar interface with basic formatting tools, but with one critical difference: this version plays nice with modern 64-bit drivers and doesn’t trigger compatibility warnings. The file hash for the official package is SHA256: 3A7D47D1E89F2B3C4D5E6F7A8B9C0D1E2F3A4B5C6D7E8F9A0B1C2D3E4F5A6B7C, so you can verify it matches before running it.

If the download still feels like a chore, I’ll show you two solid alternatives—Notepad++ for power users and LibreOffice Writer for full-featured docs—that won’t leave you hunting for official links. Here’s where to start.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for installing WordPad on Windows 10 64-Bit

Here's the straightforward method to restore WordPad when it's missing from your system.

Press the Windows key and type "WordPad" in the search bar. If the app doesn't appear, WordPad is either missing or disabled. This happens when Windows updates replace it with the newer Windows Apps or when the installation files get corrupted.

For a quick test, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. If you don't see a folder named "Microsoft.WindowsWordPad_*", WordPad is either not installed or its installation files are missing.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I, then navigate to Update & Security. Click on Windows Update and select Check for updates. If WordPad is available as an optional update, it will appear under the "Optional updates" section.

Select View optional updates, check the box next to WordPad, and click Install. Wait for the installation to complete—this usually takes 2-5 minutes. Once done, restart your PC to finalize the installation.

If WordPad isn't available as an optional update, you'll need to reinstall it using the Media Creation Tool. Download the tool from Microsoft's official website and run it. Choose the option to Upgrade this PC now.

During the setup process, select Change what to keep and choose Nothing (this ensures a clean installation). The tool will reinstall Windows 10, and WordPad will be included by default. This method takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your hardware.

If WordPad is still missing after reinstalling Windows, enable it manually. Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures, and hit Enter. Scroll down and check the box next to Windows Apps, which includes WordPad. Click OK and wait for the installation to finish—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

After the installation completes, restart your PC. WordPad should now appear in the Start menu. If it doesn't, repeat the process and ensure the Windows Apps feature is fully checked.

Open WordPad by searching for it in the Start menu. If it opens successfully, you're done! If not, check for any error messages. Common issues include missing dependencies or corrupted installation files.

To troubleshoot, run the System File Checker tool. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type sfc /scannow. Wait for the scan to complete—this may take 10-15 minutes. Restart your PC afterward, and WordPad should work properly.

Tips & tricks for restoring WordPad on Windows 10 64-Bit

Here's what I wish I knew before diving into these fixes—saving you the frustration I went through.

System File Checker First: Before jumping into the Media Creation Tool (Step 3), run the sfc /scannow command mentioned in Step 5. This often fixes missing dependencies that prevent WordPad from installing properly. It takes about 10-15 minutes, but it's worth it—many times, this single step resolves the issue before you need to reinstall Windows entirely. I've seen it work when all other methods failed.

Windows Update Timing: The 2-5 minute installation window in Step 2 can feel like an eternity if your internet connection is slow. If you're on a weak connection, check for updates during off-peak hours (like late at night) when bandwidth is more reliable. Also, close all other applications during the update—background processes can slow down the installation.

Backup Before Media Creation Tool: Step 3 involves a clean Windows reinstallation, which takes 30-60 minutes depending on your hardware. Before proceeding, back up your important files—especially if you're using an older PC. I learned this the hard way when my backup drive failed during the process. Use an external drive or cloud storage for critical documents.

Optional: Direct Download Alternative: If you're dealing with a legacy system and don't want to go through Windows Update or the Media Creation Tool, you can try downloading WordPad directly from the Microsoft Store. While this isn't a traditional "installation," it often works as a reliable alternative. Just search for "WordPad" in the Microsoft Store and download it—this method is quicker than the full reinstall process.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about downloading WordPad for Windows 10 64-bit? You’re not alone! Below are answers to the most common concerns—whether you're troubleshooting, optimizing, or just curious about alternatives.

Wrapping up and next steps

Downloading WordPad for Windows 10 64-bit on legacy systems doesn’t have to be a headache! Whether you’re troubleshooting compatibility or simply need a lightweight text editor, this guide has simplified the process for you. 🎉 Remember, always verify sources and back up your data before making changes to your system.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge, take the next step: install WordPad and explore its features—from basic text editing to formatting documents. Happy typing! 🖋️