How to Open a JSON File on Windows 11

The most accessible way to open the file is using Windows Notepad

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Key notes

  • To open a JSON file on Windows 11, you can use WordPad, Notepad++, Mozilla Firefox, or Visual Studio Code.
  • Keep reading to learn more about it, as we've included detailed procedures. 
json file opener

A JSON file is a Javascript file supported by many different programming APIs; working on JSON files is essential for developers, coders, data analysts, or anyone working within a data-driven process.

In this guide, we will discuss step-by-step instructions to open a JSON file using inbuilt & third-party tools on Windows 11 and shed light on common issues users face while dealing with it.

How do I read JSON files in Windows 11?

1. Use the Windows Notepad

  1. Press the Windows key, type notepad, and click Open.Notepad open  -json file opener
  2. Go to File, then select Open.File - open
  3. Locate the file and click Open.Notepad_Open the json file
  4. The JSON file will be open in the Notepad app.Notepad_file opened

2. Use Visual Studio Code

  1. Press the Windows key, type visual studio code, and click Open.vISUAL STUDIO CODE OPEN
  2. Go to File, then select Open File.File - open VS code -json file opener
  3. Locate the file and click Open.Code_JSON file open
  4. The JSON file will be open in the Visual Studio Code app.Code_JSon file on Windows

3. Use a web browser

  1. Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer window.
  2. Locate the JSON file, right-click it, hover over Open with, and select Google Chrome.Open with - Google Chrome - json file opener
  3. If you can’t see the option, then click Choose another app.Choose another app - JSON file opener
  4. Now, select Google Chrome, and click Just Once.Choose the app and click Just once
  5. You can now view the file in your browser.chrome_open the JSON file

You can also use Mozilla Firefox to open and view the JSON file on your computer. If you face any problems opening it in Firefox, read this guide to learn quick solutions.

4. Use Microsoft Word

  1. Press the Windows key, type word, and click Open.Word open - json file opener
  2. Go to the File menu.WINWORD_c File menu
  3. Click Open, then select Browse.WINWORD _Select and open
  4. On the Open dialog box, select File format as All Files from the drop-down, then choose the file and click Open.WINWORD_ JSON file
  5. You can view and edit the JSON file on Word.WINWORD_open in WORD

5. Use the WordPad app

  1. Press the Windows key, type wordpad, and click Open.Word pad open
  2. Go to the File, then select Open.File - open JSON windows 11
  3. Change the file type to All files from the drop-down menu on the Open dialog box, then choose the JSON file and click Open.wordpad_open file
  4. You can view and edit the file on WordPad.wordpad_fFile open

You can also use other popular text editors like Noetpad++ and online tools to open and edit the file.

Editing, saving, and closing your JSON File in Windows 11

You can use simple text editors like WordPad, Microsoft Word, WordPad, or Notepad or advanced editors like Visual Studio Code to make changes to the file, and to save it, press Ctrl + S on the editor.

You can also go to the File menu and select Save as to save the file with a different name and at a desired location. Once done, click on the red X to close the file.

How do I convert a JSON file to readable?

You can use any of the text editors mentioned above to open & edit the JSON file. To convert it to a plain text file, open Notepad, click File, select Save as, select All Files, and type the name for the file with a .txt extension.

You can also convert your Excel file into a JSON file to simplify things; check out this easy-to-use converter software list to get it done.

Common Issues While Working With a JSON file on Windows 11

Issue FacedIssue ExplainedQuick Solutions
Incorrect File ExtensionThe file extension is incorrect; that’s why you can’t open the fileDouble-check the file extension. If found incorrect, rename the file to correct it.
Editing files with improper softwareWindows doesn’t have a native app to open the file & using Notepad might complicate things.Use Visual Studio Code or Notepad++ to edit the file.
JSON formatting errorsMissing commas, double quotes, curly braces, and mismatched brackets can cause an issue.Use the proper JSON objects, arrays, and key-value pairs. Look for the suggestions or errors in the editor to understand more.
JSON files are not working on WindowsOpening the app in the wrong editor could cause an issue.To open the app, you must use Notepad, WordPad, or Visual Studio Code. To easily access the file, select any editor as the default app.

If you are a coder, WR experts always recommend using an advanced text editor like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code to open and edit the JSON file, as the file stores data & objects in the format.

Moreover, the advanced editor highlights the errors, making editing the file easier, speeding up the process, and saving you time. We also have some great articles on how to open PIB files and ADOC files.

If you have trouble opening a JSON file on Windows 11, please mention your query in the comments section below. We will be happy to help!

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