You can make Notepad open in maximized mode by default through two methods. 1. Create a shortcut with the run state set to Maximized, ensuring Notepad opens full-screen when launched through that shortcut. 2. Use an AutoHotKey script that automatically maximizes Notepad windows system-wide, regardless of how it's opened. Additionally, you can pin the modified shortcut to the taskbar or Start menu for easier access, providing a consistent maximized window experience every time you open Notepad.

If you use Notepad regularly and find yourself always clicking the maximize button every time it opens, there’s a way to make it open in maximized mode by default. It’s not something Windows offers out of the box, but with a small tweak or workaround, you can get it working.

Use a Shortcut with Run State Set to Maximized

One of the easiest ways is to adjust how you launch Notepad — specifically, by modifying a shortcut so that it always runs in a maximized window.

• Right-click your desktop or wherever you want to create the shortcut
• Choose New > Shortcut
• In the location field, type:
  notepad.exe
• Click Next, name it "Notepad" (or any name you prefer), then click Finish
• Now right-click the new shortcut → Properties → under the Shortcut tab, look for the "Run" dropdown
• Select Maximized from the options
• Click Apply and OK

Now, whenever you open Notepad through this shortcut, it will start in full-screen / maximized mode.

?? Note: This only affects Notepad when launched through this specific shortcut. If you pin Notepad to the taskbar or start menu normally, it may still open in its default size.

Use AutoHotKey for a System-Wide Fix

If you want Notepad to always open maximized no matter how you launch it — whether via Run dialog, context menu, or file association — you’ll need a lightweight script to help.

AutoHotKey is a free scripting tool for Windows that lets you automate tasks like this.

Here’s a simple script that will automatically maximize Notepad windows as soon as they appear:

WinWait, ahk_class Notepad
WinMaximize, ahk_class Notepad

Save that as a .ahk file (e.g., maximize_notepad.ahk) and run it. You can place it in your startup folder so it runs automatically every time you boot up.

This method works system-wide, regardless of how you open Notepad — very handy if you're using it often and don’t want to deal with resizing.

Pin Modified Version to Taskbar or Start Menu

If you’ve created a maximized shortcut and want quick access, you can pin it to the taskbar or Start menu:

• Right-click the shortcut → Pin to taskbar (if supported)
• Or drag the shortcut to the Start menu manually
• Alternatively, run the shortcut once, then right-click Notepad in the taskbar and pin the instance

You’ll now have a version of Notepad that opens the way you want — without needing to resize each time.

That’s basically it. Either modify a shortcut's properties or use a small script with AutoHotKey — both are solid solutions depending on how deep you want to go. Not complicated, but definitely helpful if you use Notepad often.

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