How to Install and Use Notepad++ on Windows 11

If you’re a developer, coder, or even a casual text editor power user, Notepad++ is one of the best tools you can have on your Windows 11 PC. It’s lightweight, fast, open source, and supports dozens of programming languages. Whether you want to edit code, view log files, or take structured notes, Notepad++ gives you far more control and functionality than the default Windows Notepad.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to download, install, and use Notepad++ on Windows 11. We’ll also cover key features, customization options, and useful tips to help you get the most out of this powerful text editor.

What Is Notepad++?

Notepad++ is a free, open-source code editor and text editor for Windows. It supports multiple programming and scripting languages like Python, HTML, Java, C++, PHP, and JavaScript, with built-in syntax highlighting and code folding.

Notepad++ is built on the Scintilla editing component and runs in native C++, which makes it extremely fast and efficient compared to heavy IDEs.

Some standout features include:

• Syntax highlighting and auto-completion
• Multi-tab editing
• Powerful find-and-replace
• Macro recording
• Plugin support (FTP, JSON Viewer, NppExec, etc.)
• Dark mode and theme customization

Step 1: Download Notepad++ for Windows 11

You can download Notepad++ from its official website.

1. Open your browser and go to: https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/
2. Click on the latest version (for example, Notepad++ v8.7.3).
3. Under the “Download 64-bit x64” section, click the Installer (.exe) link.
4. The file (e.g., npp.8.7.3.Installer.x64.exe) will start downloading.

Tip: Always download from the official site to avoid modified or bundled versions.

Step 2: Install Notepad++ on Windows 11

Once the setup file is downloaded:

1. Double-click the .exe file to launch the installer.
2. If the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click Yes.
3. Choose your preferred installation language and click OK.
4. Read and accept the License Agreement → Next.
5. Select the installation directory (default is fine): C:\Program Files\Notepad++
6. Keep the default components selected unless you need specific features (like Auto-Updater or Plugins Admin).
7. Click Install, and the process will complete in a few seconds.
8. When prompted, click Finish to launch Notepad++.

Step 3: Launch Notepad++ and Explore the Interface

When you first open Notepad++, you’ll see a clean and simple interface with multiple tabs and menus at the top.

Here’s what each main area does:

• Menu Bar: Access tools like File, Edit, Search, Run, Plugins, and Settings.
• Toolbar: Quick shortcuts for common actions (save, open, undo, etc.).
• Tab Bar: Each open file appears as a separate tab for easy navigation.
• Editing Area: Your workspace for code or text editing.
• Status Bar: Displays file details like length, encoding, and line number.

Dark mode fans rejoice! Go to Settings → Preferences → Dark Mode and toggle it ON for a sleek appearance.

Step 4: Set Notepad++ as the Default Editor (Optional)

If you often open .txt, .html, .py, or other code files, you can make Notepad++ your default editor.

1. Right-click any text file (e.g., .txt).
2. Select Open with → Choose another app.
3. Click More apps → Look for another app on this PC.
4. Browse to: C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe
5. Check Always use this app to open .txt files → OK.

Now, every time you double-click a text file, it’ll open in Notepad++.

Step 5: Enable Syntax Highlighting and Code Folding

Notepad++ automatically detects and highlights code syntax for most languages.
You can manually choose one if needed:

1. Open your file in Notepad++.
2. Go to Language → (select your language).
   For example:
   • JavaScript → J → JavaScript
   • HTML → H → HTML
   • Python → P → Python
3. You’ll now see color-coded syntax and collapsible code sections.

Step 6: Use Plugins to Enhance Notepad++

One of Notepad++’s greatest strengths is its plugin ecosystem. You can easily extend functionality with plugins for FTP access, auto-formatting, and more.

To install plugins:

1. Go to Plugins → Plugins Admin.
2. Search for a plugin (e.g., “JSON Viewer” or “NppExec”).
3. Check the box next to the plugin → Install.
4. Restart Notepad++ when prompted.

Popular plugins include:

• NppFTP — edit remote files over FTP/SFTP
• IntelliSense — code completion
• Compare — compare two files side by side
• NppExec — run code directly within Notepad++

Step 7: Useful Notepad++ Tips for Everyday Use

• Run Code Quickly:
  Use the Run menu (or press F5) to execute scripts via CMD, Python, or Node.js.
• Multi-Tab Editing:
  Drag tabs to rearrange or use File → Open in New Instance to open two windows side by side.
• Word Wrap:
  Enable it from View → Word Wrap for better readability.
• Auto-Save:
  Install the Autosave plugin for automatic file backup.
• Change Theme:
  Go to Settings → Style Configurator and pick from dozens of color themes like Monokai, Solarized Dark, or Zenburn.

Step 8: Uninstall Notepad++ (Optional)

If you ever need to remove Notepad++:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
2. Find Notepad++ in the list.
3. Click the three-dot menu → Uninstall → Confirm.

All program files will be deleted, but your saved documents will remain intact.

Wrapping Up

Installing and using Notepad++ on Windows 11 is quick and straightforward — and once you start using it, you’ll see why it’s one of the most beloved editors for developers and IT professionals.

Whether you’re writing code, editing text files, or configuring scripts, Notepad++ combines simplicity, power, and speed in one lightweight package.

So go ahead — download it, explore its plugins, and turn your Windows 11 PC into a productive development environment.