Fix Notepad High CPU and Memory Usage in Windows 11

Notepad is one of the most lightweight applications included with Windows 11. It is designed for simple text editing and usually consumes very little system resources. However, some users have reported situations where Notepad suddenly starts using an unusually high amount of CPU or memory (RAM), causing their computers to slow down, freeze, or become less responsive.

This issue can occur for several reasons. A large text file, corrupted application data, outdated Windows components, problematic background processes, or a malfunctioning Notepad installation can all contribute to excessive resource usage. In some cases, Notepad may continue consuming memory even after closing large files, while in others, it may spike CPU usage unexpectedly.

In this guide, I will show you the most effective solutions step by step.

Fix Notepad’s High CPU and Memory Usage in Windows 11

If Notepad is consuming excessive CPU or memory resources, the most effective solution is to identify whether the issue is caused by large files, corrupted application data, background processes, outdated system files, or a faulty Notepad installation. Closing resource-intensive files, restarting the application, repairing or resetting Notepad, updating Windows, and reinstalling the app can usually restore normal performance and reduce system resource consumption.

Let’s go with a detailed procedure!

Step 1: Close Large Text Files and Restart Notepad

One of the most common causes of high CPU and memory usage in Notepad is opening a very large text file. While Notepad has improved significantly in Windows 11, extremely large log files, code files, or text documents containing millions of lines can still consume substantial system resources.

Start by saving any important work you have open. Next, close the large file that is currently loaded in Notepad. If the application becomes unresponsive, you can force it to close using Task Manager.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Under the Processes tab, locate Notepad, select it, and click End Task.

After closing the application, wait a few moments and reopen Notepad. Create a blank document and monitor whether CPU and memory usage return to normal.

If resource usage decreases significantly after closing a large file, the file itself was likely the cause of the problem. Consider splitting large files into smaller sections using specialized text editors when working with very large documents.

Step 2: Check Notepad Resource Usage in Task Manager

Before applying additional fixes, it is helpful to confirm how much CPU and memory Notepad is actually using.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager. Click the Processes tab and locate Notepad in the list of running applications.

Observe the CPU and Memory columns. Under normal circumstances, Notepad should use minimal resources when editing standard text files. If you notice continuously high CPU percentages or unusually large memory consumption even when the application is idle, there may be a deeper issue.

You can also switch to the Details tab to view more information about the Notepad process. This helps confirm that the resource usage is coming directly from Notepad and not another application running in the background.

Monitoring Task Manager before and after each fix helps determine which solution successfully resolves the issue.

Step 3: Restart Your Windows 11 Computer

A simple restart often resolves temporary software glitches that can lead to abnormal CPU or memory usage.

When Windows runs for extended periods, background services, cached data, and temporary processes can sometimes behave unexpectedly. Restarting the computer clears temporary memory usage and reloads system components.

Click the Start button, select the Power icon, and choose Restart.

After the computer restarts, launch Notepad and test it with a small text file. Monitor resource usage again through Task Manager.

Many users are surprised to find that a simple reboot eliminates excessive resource consumption caused by temporary system issues.

Step 4: Repair the Notepad App

Windows 11 includes a built-in repair feature that can automatically fix corrupted application files without affecting your data.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I. Select Apps, then click Installed Apps.

Scroll through the list until you find Notepad. Click the three-dot menu beside it and select Advanced Options.

Locate the Repair button and click it. Windows will attempt to repair the application while preserving its settings and data.

Once the repair process finishes, reopen Notepad and check whether CPU and memory usage have improved.

Repairing the application is often effective when corrupted program files are causing unusual behavior.

Step 5: Reset Notepad Settings

If repairing the app does not help, resetting Notepad may resolve configuration-related issues.

Navigate back to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Notepad > Advanced Options.

This time, click Reset.

Resetting removes application data and restores Notepad to its default state. If damaged settings or corrupted cache files were responsible for the resource problem, the reset process can eliminate them.

After the reset is complete, launch Notepad again and monitor system performance.

Remember that resetting may remove certain customized preferences, so you may need to configure the app again afterward.

Step 6: Install the Latest Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that improve application stability, performance, and compatibility. An outdated Windows installation can sometimes contribute to excessive resource usage.

Open Settings and select Windows Update from the left pane.

Click Check for updates and allow Windows to download and install any available updates.

After the installation process completes, restart your computer if prompted.

Testing Notepad after updating Windows is important because many performance-related issues are resolved through cumulative updates and bug fixes.

Keeping Windows 11 fully updated is one of the easiest ways to prevent application-related performance problems.

Step 7: Disable Unnecessary Background Applications

Background applications can compete for CPU time and memory resources, making it appear that Notepad is consuming more resources than it actually is.

Open Task Manager and review the running processes. Look for applications that are consuming significant CPU or memory resources.

Close programs that you are not actively using, especially web browsers with many tabs open, media editing software, virtualization tools, and gaming applications.

You can also review startup programs by selecting the Startup Apps section within Task Manager.

Reducing background activity gives Windows more resources to allocate efficiently and can improve overall system responsiveness while using Notepad.

Step 8: Run the System File Checker Tool

Corrupted Windows system files can affect built-in applications, including Notepad.

Click the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.

In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.

The System File Checker examines protected Windows files and automatically repairs damaged files when possible.

Once the scan finishes, restart your computer and test Notepad again.

This method is particularly useful when the issue is related to operating system corruption rather than the application itself.

Step 9: Run the DISM Repair Tool

If the System File Checker cannot fully resolve the problem, Microsoft’s Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool can repair deeper Windows image corruption.

Open an elevated Command Prompt and enter the following command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Press Enter and allow the process to complete. The scan may take several minutes, depending on your system and internet connection.

After the repair process finishes, restart your computer and launch Notepad again.

Running DISM followed by System File Checker often resolves persistent issues affecting Windows applications.

Step 10: Reinstall Notepad in Windows 11

If none of the previous methods work, reinstalling Notepad can provide a fresh installation free from corruption or configuration problems.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and locate Notepad. Click the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.

After the removal process is complete, open the Microsoft Store, search for Notepad, and install it again.

Alternatively, you can reinstall Notepad through Settings > Apps > Optional Features if available on your system.

Once reinstalled, launch Notepad and monitor CPU and memory usage.

A fresh installation often resolves stubborn issues that survive repair and reset attempts.

Step 11: Scan for Malware and Unwanted Software

Although uncommon, malware can sometimes disguise itself as legitimate processes or interfere with normal application behavior.

Open Windows Security and select Virus & Threat Protection.

Run a Full Scan to check your computer for threats.

If Windows Security detects suspicious files, follow the recommended actions to remove them.

After the scan completes, restart your computer and observe Notepad’s performance.

Regular security scans help maintain system stability and prevent unexpected resource usage issues.

FAQs

Why is Notepad using so much memory in Windows 11?

The most common reason is opening extremely large text files. Corrupted application data, outdated Windows components, or software conflicts can also increase memory usage.

Can a large text file cause high CPU usage in Notepad?

Yes. Processing very large documents, especially log files with millions of lines, can significantly increase CPU consumption while the file is being loaded or searched.

Is it safe to reset Notepad?

Yes. Resetting Notepad is safe and restores the application to its default state. However, some personal settings and preferences may be removed.

Will reinstalling Notepad delete my text files?

No. Reinstalling the application does not delete text files stored on your computer. Your documents remain intact unless you manually remove them.

How much memory should Notepad normally use?

For standard text editing tasks, Notepad typically uses a relatively small amount of memory. Usage may increase when working with larger files or multiple open tabs.

Does updating Windows help fix Notepad performance issues?

Yes. Windows updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements that can resolve application-related issues.

Can malware cause high CPU usage in Notepad?

While it is uncommon, malware or unwanted software can interfere with system processes and contribute to abnormal resource consumption.