How to Replace Notepad with Microsoft Edit on Windows 11

Notepad has long been the default text editor in Windows, but advanced users and developers may prefer Microsoft Edit, a modern command-line–based text editor designed for terminal workflows. Microsoft Edit offers better keyboard-driven editing, scripting flexibility, and a lightweight experience compared to the traditional Notepad app.

On Windows 11, Microsoft Edit does not replace Notepad automatically and is not set as the default editor through normal app settings. However, Windows allows you to redirect how text files and commands open by adjusting file associations and system behavior, effectively replacing Notepad with Microsoft Edit for your workflow.

Replacing Notepad with Microsoft Edit in Windows 11 involves installing Microsoft Edit and configuring file associations or command overrides so Edit opens instead of Notepad. The steps below explain how to do this correctly.

How to Replace Notepad with Microsoft Edit on Windows 11

The steps in this section focus on installing Microsoft Edit and redirecting text file handling and command usage away from Notepad. Follow the steps carefully to avoid breaking default system behavior.

Restart apps where instructed so changes take effect properly.

1. Install Microsoft Edit on Windows 11

Microsoft Edit must be installed before it can be used as a replacement.

1. Open Windows Terminal.
2. Run the following command:
   winget install Microsoft.Edit
3. Wait for the installation to complete.
4. Close and reopen Windows Terminal.
5. Verify installation by typing:
   edit

If Edit opens, it is installed correctly.

2. Set Microsoft Edit as the Default Editor for TXT Files

This replaces Notepad for double-clicking text files.

1. Right-click any .txt file.
2. Select Open with.
3. Click Choose another app.
4. Select Microsoft Edit if listed.
5. Check Always use this app to open .txt files.
6. Click OK.

Text files will now open in Microsoft Edit instead of Notepad.

3. Change Default App Associations from Settings

You can also set the default editor globally.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Select Default apps.
4. Scroll down and click Choose defaults by file type.
5. Locate .txt.
6. Assign Microsoft Edit as the default app.

This ensures consistency across the system.

4. Replace Notepad Command Using Registry (Advanced)

Some apps and scripts explicitly call Notepad.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
3. Create a new key named notepad.exe.
4. Inside it, create a String Value named Debugger.
5. Set its value to the full path of Edit, for example:
   "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Edit\edit.exe"
6. Close Registry Editor.
7. Restart the system.

This forces any call to Notepad to open Microsoft Edit instead.

5. Test the Replacement

Confirm that the replacement works correctly.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type notepad and press Enter.
3. Verify that Microsoft Edit opens instead.
4. Double-click a .txt file and confirm it opens in Edit.

Successful tests confirm Notepad has been replaced.

6. Revert to Notepad if Needed

You can undo the replacement at any time.

1. Remove the notepad.exe registry key created earlier.
2. Reset .txt file associations back to Notepad.
3. Restart the system.

This restores default Windows behavior.

Final Thoughts

Replacing Notepad with Microsoft Edit on Windows 11 is a practical choice for users who prefer terminal-based editing and keyboard-driven workflows. By setting file associations or redirecting the Notepad command, you can seamlessly integrate Microsoft Edit into your daily usage without removing Notepad entirely.