Notepad and Notepad++ are some of the most daily used applications among PC users. Notepad is for regular users, whereas Notepad++ is for some advanced tasks. You can write codes, edit texts, debug, make indentations, and highlight the text in Notepad++.
It is crucial to save the files you have worked on whatever platform. However, things get messy when Notepad++ stops responding and you can not save the files.
All your hard work seems futile. I know how it feels in this unexpected situation.
Well, You have come to the right place. I have done in-depth research and sorted out some of the best fixes regarding this Notepad++ issue for you. Follow the methods of this article and resolve your issue in a quick manner.
Let’s get started!
Why doesn’t Notepad++ Response while Saving Files?
Bugs, incompatible or corrupt plugins, and missing files of Notepad++ can result in problems while saving files in Notepad++. Usually, Notepad++ offers an auto-saving feature by default. If you face a saving files issue, then those might be responsible for the problem.
Some common reasons for Notepad++ not saving issues:
Bugs
Bugs and glitches can create many unexpected problems. A buggy Notepad++ application is responsible for Notepad++ not responding or not saving files.
Missing or Corrupt Plugins
Notepad++ has a ton of plugins out there. Every plugin has some advantages. However, they may interfere with the basic features of Notepad++.
Missing System Files
Sometimes, your PC can be infected with viruses and malicious files. The file they infect becomes corrupted. Any antivirus software then removes those files from your system. As a result, the application faces the problem of a missing file and doesn’t seem to work as it should.
Also, check our exclusive tutorial on Column Mode in Notepad++.
How to Fix Notepad++ not Saving Files
The first thing I will recommend to you guys is to use the latest version of Notepad++. You can avoid any unnecessary problems using the latest build. So update the Notepad++ app whenever new releases come out.
Here are some methods to fix Notepad++ not saving files:
1. Disable Session Snapshot and Periodic backup
Notepad++ has a feature called Session snapshot and periodic backup. This feature automatically saves your unsaved works. This auto-saving feature comes in handy when you accidentally close the app, or the computer shuts down unexpectedly.
Session snapshot keeps the work saved and reopens when you access the application again. However, this feature can interfere when you try to save the work in a file. You can easily disable this feature.
Here are the steps to disable session snapshot and periodic backup:
- Open Notepad++.
- Click on Settings.
- Navigate to Preferences.
- Select Backup from the left side of the new popup window.
- Uncheck the box named Enable session snapshot and periodic backup.
- Click on Close.
2. Disable Cloud Sync
People often use online backup to keep their work safe. Notepad++ also has the cloud syncing option. It is possible that older saved files may appear if the cloud sync is enabled. You can disable it to eradicate this possibility.
Here are the steps to disable cloud sync on Notepad++:
- Open Notepad++.
- Click on Settings.
- Navigate to Preferences.
- Select Cloud & Link from the left side of the new popup window.
- Choose No Cloud.
- Click on Close.
3. Make Sure the File is Readable
You won’t be able to save the file you are working on if you are trying to save it as a read-only file. Generally, nothing will happen in this scenario, and the saving prompt will be ongoing with a gray icon.
In this situation, try copying all the work and opening it in a different window. Then you will be able to save the file like before.
Note: You will see a blue file icon if the file is editable. You will see the red file icon after saving the same, edited file. The file icon will be gray if the file is only in a read-only state.
Here’s a complete guide on how to enable word wrap in Notepad.
How to Fix Notepad not Saving Files
Before proceeding to the fixing method, make sure you have selected the correct extension format. You should use .txt for saving the text files. Anything other than .txt won’t save the text files. If the issue still persists, make sure that the users have complete control over the file.
Here is the guide to enable full control:
- Right-Click on a Notepad file.
- Select Properties.
- Navigate to the Security tab.
- Click on Edit….
- Select Add from the Permission for Filename
- Click on Advanced… from the Select Users or Groups window.
- Select Find Now.
- Select the currently logged-in user (Administrator).
- Keep clicking OK until you reach the Permission assignment dialogue box
- Check the Modify box and hit OK.
Why is Notepad not Responding?
Conflicting with other apps, corrupted files, etc can make the Notepad app unresponsive. When the Notepad becomes unresponsive, you simply can not write down or save any documents at that moment. As a result, you will face some temporary obstructions.
Here are the steps to fix Notepad not responding:
1. Open the exe File from the Main Folder
Open the Notepad app from the main directory folder rather than by searching or opening it from the desktop.
2. Remove Conflicting Apps
Notepad often faces complications if another text editing application interferes. If that is the problem, try uninstalling those applications first. Hopefully, this will solve the conflicting problem with Notepad.
3. Set Notepad as Default Text Editing App
You can set Notepad as your default text editor. The unnecessary application won’t interfere if the Notepad app is set to the default app. This method will solve the Notepad not responding issue.
4. Reset Notepad
If the Notepad not responding issue still persists, reset the Notepad app. Resetting the app will help you solve this issue as Notepad will get a fresh restart.
5. Run System File Checker
You can perform a system file check to ensure any file isn’t missing from the system. Any missing file can create an issue while saving text files. So make sure the system is running perfectly fine.
6. Reinstall Notepad on your PC
If any of the above fixes seems not to be working for you, try to uninstall the Notepad first. Then go to the Apps menu and add the Notepad as a new feature again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you turn on autosave in Notepad?
You can turn on the AutoSave plugin from the Notepad++ Plugins > Plugins Admin tool. You need to configure the plugins after you install them.
Where are the Notepad++ temp files stored?
You can recover the unsaved documents of Notepad++ from the backups. The backups can be found by navigating to C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Notepad++\backup.
Can you open any document files using Notepad?
The answer is no. Notepad can only read and write the plain text document. Any other documents like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, WordPad, etc won’t open using the Notepad app.
Final Words
Finally, disable session backup, disable cloud sync and keep the file readable to fix this notepad not saving issue. I have described every fix with proper steps in this article. I believe following those methods will fix your notepad issue once and for all.
Thanks for reading this article. Leave comments if you have any questions left inside you. I will come back with a proper response.
Peace out!
