Windows 10: view of documents i download show a bunch of symbols

when I download images or pdf files online it appears on the word pad as a bunch of symbols. how can I change that?

:)

 

Downloads folder is the Documents folder

Hi Chris,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to Restore to Default the folders and document settings and see if it helps.

Step 1:

Please follow below steps and check if it helps.

• Go to Download folder.
• Right click on the Download Folder and go to Properties.
• In Properties go to Location tab.
• In location Tab Click on Restore Default.

Step 2:

Please follow below steps and check if it helps.

• Go to Documents folder.
• Right click on the Document folder and go to Properties.
• In Properties go to Location tab.
• In location Tab Click on Restore Default.

After performing above steps change the settings as you required and check if it helps.

Hope these information helps, please get back to us for future support, we’ll be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.

 

Notepad showing symbols?

I tried to open a notepad with lyrics in a different language, and the English on the file is fine, but the text in the other language shows up as a bunch of symbols. How can I fix this?

 

Unable to insert symbols

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are unable to insert symbols. However, it would be great if you can reply with the details requested below:

• When you say, “My Windows 10 will not allow me to insert symbols” what happens when you try to insert symbols?
  
• In which application are you trying to insert symbols?
  
• Are you aware of any changes made to the computer recently?
  

Meanwhile, you may want to try downloading fonts for all the languages and see if that helps. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + I, to open
   Settings.
   
2. Click on Personalization and select
   Fonts from the left pane.
   
3. Now, click on the link that says Download fonts for all languages.
   
4. Restart the computer.
   

For additional information, see
How to Use Special Characters in Windows Documents.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator