How To Set Notepad++ as Default

How To Set Notepad++ as Default

How To Set Notepad++ as Default

Hey there! Do you want to make Notepad++ the default text editor on your computer? I’ve got you covered! Let me guide you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Installing Notepad++

First things first, we need to have Notepad++ installed on your computer. If you don’t have it yet, you should visit the official Notepad++ website and download the latest version. Once the download is complete, follow the installation instructions and get it up and running.

Step 2: Opening Default Programs

Now that you have Notepad++ installed, let’s make it the default text editor. Open the Control Panel on your computer and click on “Default Programs.” From there, select “Set your default programs.”

Step 3: Choosing Notepad++

In the “Set your default programs” window, you’ll see a list of programs installed on your computer. Scroll down until you find Notepad++. Click on it to select it and then click on the “Set this program as default” button. This will set Notepad++ as the default text editor for all the applicable file types.

All Set!

That’s it! You’ve successfully set Notepad++ as the default text editor. Now, whenever you open a text file, it will automatically open in Notepad++. Enjoy the enhanced features and functionality that Notepad++ offers!

You know how everyone is used to having Notepad as their default text editor on Windows? Well, here’s the thing – Notepad is kind of lacking. It’s simple and easy to use, but it just doesn’t have enough options to choose from. And let’s face it, sometimes you need more than just simplicity.

But don’t worry, I’ve got a solution for you. You can change your default text editor to be Notepad++. It’s like an upgraded version of Notepad, with all the features you’ve been missing. Notepad++ has more language options, a spell checker, zooming, and a bunch of other cool stuff that’ll make your life easier.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – finding a guide to set up Notepad++ as your default editor is a pain. The ones you find online are usually outdated and don’t work. But fear not, my friend. I’ve got you covered. Right here, right now, I’m gonna give you an updated guide with easy-to-follow steps. With my help, you’ll have Notepad++ set up as your default text editor in no time.

Step 1: Download and Install Notepad++

First things first, you gotta get Notepad++ on your computer. Lucky for you, it’s an easy process. Just head over to the official Notepad++ website and download it. They frequently update the program, so you’ll always have the latest version.

On the website, you’ll have a couple of options to choose from. They offer both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, as well as zip packages. Let’s say you wanna go with the 64-bit version – just click on that. It’s a small file, only 10 MB, so it won’t take up much space on your computer.

By the way, I recommend using the default path for installation, which is C:\Program Files\Notepad++. It’s convenient and it’s what I’ll be using in this guide. Installing Notepad++ is quick and painless, so you’ll be up and running in no time.

Step 2: Set Notepad++ as Your Default Text Editor

Alright, now that you have Notepad++ all set up, it’s time to make it your default text editor. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. First things first, create a new text file anywhere you want, with any name you want. Just make sure you put it on your desktop so you can find it easily later on. Once you’ve done that, right-click on the file and select “Open with.”

You’ll see options like Notepad and WordPad. But we don’t want those, we want Notepad++. So instead of choosing any of the suggested options, go ahead and click on “Choose another app.”

If you’re looking for more apps, just click on the arrow pointing downwards. A whole bunch of programs will appear, but you won’t find Notepad++ there. No worries! Just click on “Look for another app on this PC.”

Alright, so here’s what we need to do next. We have to find where the Notepad++ executable file is located. If you haven’t changed the default location, you should be able to find it by following these steps: First, open up “This PC” or “My Computer” on your system. Then, navigate your way to the C: drive or the “System (C:)” folder. From there, look for a folder called “Program Files” and open it. Inside, you should see a folder named “Notepad++”. That’s where we need to go. Once you’re inside the Notepad++ folder, all that’s left to do is find the file with the extension “.exe”. That’s the executable file we need to click on to launch Notepad++. Simple as that!

Hey there! Just click Open to confirm and see the magic happen. Your text file will automatically open in Notepad++. And hey, if you want to make Notepad++ your go-to choice in the future, I’ve got one more step for you.


Here’s what you need to do: click on your dummy text file, then click “Open with” and choose “Choose another app.” Easy, right? Now, guess who’s gonna be right at the top of the list? Yep, it’s Notepad++! Select it and make sure to tick the checkbox at the bottom that says “Always use this app to open .txt files.” You’re all set!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set Notepad++ as your default text editor. Now you can enjoy all the benefits it offers, which I’ll explain more about in the next section.

The Amazing Features of Notepad++

Notepad++ provides more options than the classic Notepad. It’s an upgraded version, designed specifically for editing free source code. You can customize it to your liking, with features like syntax folding and syntax highlighting that you define. Plus, it allows you to easily download various plugins.

This program has a sleek and minimalist interface, featuring a vertical tab and document list, multi-line tabs, and a close button. It even supports macro recording and playback.

Notepad++ offers a range of useful tools. You can use the document map and work with multiple documents or views. It’s great for printing, and you can also add bookmarks, zoom in, and zoom out as needed. Additionally, it includes a built-in auto-completion feature for both words and functions.

An Enhanced and Improved Experience

Why stick with the old Notepad as your default text editor when there’s a newer and better version available? Setting up Notepad++ is quick and easy, and you’ll notice the difference right away.

Would you recommend Notepad++ to others? What are your favorite features? Are there any additional features you’d like to see in future versions? Give it a try and share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Leave a Comment

Do not miss this experience!

Ask us any questions

Get in touch