"Unable to create new document" with Paint and WordPad.

John Singh 0 Reputation points
2025-12-04T17:24:25.41+00:00

I can't open any .txt files that I had made with WordPad.

I can't open Wordpad.

I can't open Paint.

I keep receiving the message "Unable to create new document".

I've tried all the steps as suggested on Google.

Uninstalling then Reinstalling.

Running the Paint.exe file it said "Paint is already installed" even though it is not (it does have a file location if I search it up and open file location, but it's not available for me to search and uninstall via settings > apps).

Using the CMD DMS whatever.. It says something like "elevated permissions required".

PLEASE HALP! :D <3

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Apps
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  1. CrazyKats 19,245 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-12-04T17:39:03.45+00:00

    Hi,

    Word Pad has been removed with

    24H2.

    Paint is now an App, go to the Microsoft Store,

    type Paint and then try opening it from there.

    Or look under Settings, Apps, Installed Apps.

    Mine is pinned on my Start Menu.

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  2. AI answer

    2025-12-04T17:24:42.5766667+00:00

    It seems like you're experiencing issues with opening applications like WordPad and Paint, as well as creating new documents. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot the problem:

    1. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows is up to date. Sometimes, updates can fix bugs related to system applications.
      • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and check for updates.
    2. Run System File Checker: This tool can help repair missing or corrupted system files that may be causing issues with applications.
      • Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for "cmd", right-click, and select "Run as administrator").
      • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete.
    3. Check Disk Space: Ensure that you have enough disk space available on your drive, as low disk space can prevent applications from functioning properly.
      • You can use the Disk Cleanup tool to free up space if needed.
    4. Create a New User Profile: Sometimes, user profile corruption can cause issues with applications. Try creating a new user account to see if the problem persists there.
      • Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
    5. Repair or Reset Apps: You can try repairing or resetting the apps through the settings.
      • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Paint and WordPad, click on them, and select Advanced options to repair or reset.
    6. Reinstall Apps via PowerShell: If the apps are still not functioning, you can try reinstalling them using PowerShell.
      • Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following commands: 
             Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Paint* | Remove-AppxPackage
     Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | Remove-AppxPackage
      • After that, reinstall them from the Microsoft Store.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consider further diagnostics or contacting Microsoft support for more assistance.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  3. John Korchok 235.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-24T20:53:13.65+00:00

    Double-check that the en-US folder contains a wordpad.exe.mui file. If it's missing, WordPad will display the Unable to create a new document message.

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