How to Make Notepad++ Default in Windows 11

How to install Notepad++ on 🪟 Windows 11

As mentioned earlier, you can use Notepad++ to replace Windows Notepad and enjoy its great features and multi-language support, which aren’t available in Notepad.

First, go to the link below to download Notepad++

Downloads | Notepad++

Once downloaded, go to your Downloads folder and run the executable. Follow the installation wizard to complete the setup.

By default, Notepad++ will install in the C:Program FilesNotepad++ folder. To install in a different folder, click Browse and select another folder.

Next, check the components you want to install and uncheck the ones you don’t want. The default selections should work well in most situations. Click Next to continue.

Next, click Install to finish the installation wizard.

How to make Notepad++ default text editor in 🪟 Windows 11

Now that Notepad++ is installed, let’s get it set as your default text editor.

Windows 11 keeps most of its settings in one place, the System Settings. Here, you can manage everything from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Your Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Apps, and select Default Apps on the right pane of your screen.

Once the Default Apps settings are open, you can use the search box to find the default app for applications. Type ‘Edge’ here.

Microsoft Edge will appear in the result below. Click on Notepad.

The next screen shows all the file types that currently open with Notepad. You’ll need to select each one and change it to open with Notepad++.

When you select Notepad, a pop-out window will prompt you to choose the app you want to always open this file type.

Click on the More apps link as highlighted below.

Next, select Look for another app on this PC.

By default, this will open the C:Program Files directory. Open the Notepad++ folder and select the Notepad++ app

Select the Notepad++ app and click Open to always open this file with Notepad++.

Repeat this process for each file type until Notepad++ is chosen as the default to open these files.

How to completely make Notepad++ default in 🪟 Windows 11

You can also make Notepad++ the default in Windows 11 by running the commands below as administrator.

First, open the command prompt as administrator. Click the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

Once the Command Prompt opens, run the commands below:

REG ADD “HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionImage File Execution Optionsnotepad.exe” /v “Debugger” /t REG_SZ /d “”%ProgramFiles%Notepad++notepad++.exe” -notepadStyleCmdline -z” /f

To undo the commands above, run the commands below:

REG DELETE “HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionImage File Execution Optionsnotepad.exe” /v “Debugger” /f

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Notepad++ offers advanced features and support for multiple programming languages, making it an excellent alternative to the default Notepad application in Windows 11.
• The installation process is straightforward, ensuring that users can quickly set up and configure Notepad++ to meet their needs.
• Changing the default text editor to Notepad++ allows for a more efficient workflow, particularly for developers and users handling various file types.
• By following the outlined steps, users can personalize their text editing experience and take full advantage of what Notepad++ has to offer.
• Remember to apply the additional command line steps if you want to ensure Notepad++ fully replaces Notepad in all scenarios.

Enjoy your enhanced text editing experience with Notepad++!