SoftNexi

Windows · Development

Notepad++ for Windows

Free open-source Windows text and source code editor with syntax highlighting, multi-document tabs, and a large plugin ecosystem.

Updated July 17, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Notepad++ is the editor most Windows users reach for when Notepad is not enough and a full IDE is too much. It opens large files quickly, highlights syntax for dozens of languages, and keeps everything in tabs.

The features that matter day to day are unglamorous: column editing, find-and-replace across files with regular expressions, macro recording, and a session that survives a crash.

It is Windows-only and written in C++ against the Win32 API, which is exactly why it stays fast on old hardware.

Key features

  • Syntax highlighting and folding for dozens of languages
  • Multi-document tabs with split view
  • Find and replace across files with regular expressions
  • Column and multi-cursor editing
  • Macro recording and playback
  • Plugin manager with a large third-party ecosystem
  • Session restore after an unexpected shutdown

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11, Windows 10, and earlier Windows releases
Architecture
x64, ARM64, or x86 build
Disk space
Around 20 MB installed
Permissions
Administrator rights for the installer; portable ZIP also published

How to install Notepad++

  1. 1. Download the matching build

    Choose x64 for most modern PCs, or ARM64 for Windows on ARM devices.

  2. 2. Install

    Run the installer and approve the UAC prompt, or unzip the portable build to run without installing.

  3. 3. Set file associations

    Use Settings > Preferences > File Association to open .txt, .log, or .json files in Notepad++ by default.

How to use it

  1. 1. Search across a folder

    Press Ctrl+Shift+F, set the directory, and enable Regular expression for pattern matching.

  2. 2. Edit in columns

    Hold Alt and drag to select a rectangular block, then type to edit every selected line at once.

  3. 3. Convert line endings

    Use Edit > EOL Conversion to switch between Windows CRLF and Unix LF when a file misbehaves on another platform.

Safety and privacy

  • Download from notepad-plus-plus.org. Look-alike sites distribute repackaged installers.
  • Open source with releases published alongside source code.
Bundled software
None in the official installer.
Privacy
The editor checks for updates online; no account and no document telemetry.

Known risks

  • Third-party plugins run with the editor's privileges — install them from the built-in plugin list rather than random downloads.

What's new

  • 8.x series

    The 8.x line has added ARM64 builds, dark mode refinements, and ongoing security fixes to the update mechanism. Full change logs are published on the project site.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fast even with very large files
  • Free and open source
  • Deep search and replace tooling
  • Large plugin ecosystem

Cons

  • Windows only
  • Interface is functional rather than modern
  • Plugin quality varies
  • No built-in project or workspace model like an IDE

Verdict

Notepad++ remains the best free general-purpose text editor on Windows. It is not an IDE and does not try to be, which is precisely the appeal.

Frequently asked questions

Does Notepad++ run on Mac?

No. It is a Win32 application. Mac users generally use a cross-platform editor instead.

Is there a portable version?

Yes. The project publishes a portable ZIP that runs from a USB drive without installation.