The Windows operating system uses the file extension to understand how to open a file. For example, when you double-click to open a TXT file, Notepad probably opens it.

File search: You can now find, open and ask questions about the contents of a file on your device from the Copilot on Windows app.

On Windows 11, you can change the format of a file in multiple ways through File Explorer, Command Prompt, and from a compatible application. In this guide, I'll show you how.

To make Notepad files always open in a new or separate window in Windows 11, open Notepad setting and change the 'Opening files' option.