How to open a JSON file on Windows 10 and 11

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to open and read a .json file on Windows 11 and Windows 10. You do not need to download or buy any expensive third-party software to view these files; you can read them instantly using built-in Windows tools or your default web browser.

Depending on how the file was saved, it might look like a single, massive line of text or a clean, organized list. This guide covers how to open JSON files using Notepad for quick editing, as well as web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge to automatically format the data so it is easy to read.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is an open standard file format and data interchange format that uses human-readable text to store and transmit data objects consisting of attribute–value pairs and arrays (or other serializable values).

Method 1: Open a JSON file using Notepad

Because JSON files are plain text, you can open and edit them with the built-in Windows Notepad app.

  1. Open File Explorer and locate your JSON file.
  2. Right-click the file, hover over Open with, and select Notepad. (If you don't see it, click Choose another app and select Notepad from the list).
  3. If you want all JSON files to open in Notepad automatically, click the Always button at the bottom of the window.
Open a JSON file in Windows with Notepad

If you need a more advanced text editor, I highly recommend Notepad++. It is a free tool that includes color-coded text (syntax highlighting) and structural formatting, making complex JSON files much easier to read and edit.

Method 2: Open a JSON file in a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

If your JSON file opens as one endless, messy line in Notepad, dragging it into a web browser is the easiest way to add clean layout spacing and collapsible text blocks without downloading code tools.

  1. Open your preferred browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox).
  2. Drag your .json file from its folder and drop it directly into a blank browser tab.
  3. The browser will automatically parse the file and display it in a clean, readable text structure. Note: In Microsoft Edge, check the "Pretty-print" box at the top if it doesn't format automatically.

People also ask (FAQ)

Why does my JSON file look like a huge block of messy text?

Many JSON files are "minified" to save space. This means all spaces, line breaks, and indentations are stripped out, cramming thousands of characters into a single line. Opening the file in a web browser or using an advanced editor like Notepad++ will instantly restore the readable layout structure.

Is it safe to open a .json file?

Yes. JSON files are strictly text data files used to store settings or transfer information. They do not contain executable application code, meaning they cannot run viruses or harm your computer simply by being opened in a text editor.