The Tool Desk
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The current stable release is Notepad++ 8.9.7, released July 13, 2026. Download it from the official Notepad++ website or the project’s official GitHub releases page—not from a third-party download site.
Choose the correct Notepad++ download
Open the official Notepad++ Downloads page and select version 8.9.7. The release provides several packages:
| Package | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Installer x64 | Your Windows 11 installation is 64-bit on a typical Intel or AMD PC. |
| Installer ARM64 | Windows itself is ARM64, such as on some Snapdragon-based devices. |
| Installer | Windows is 32-bit x86. This is uncommon on modern Windows 11 devices. |
| MSI x64 | You are deploying Notepad++ through enterprise or managed Windows Installer tools. |
| Portable ZIP or 7-Zip | You want to run Notepad++ without a conventional installation. |
| Portable minimalist | You need a smaller portable package and do not need all bundled components. |
To check your architecture, open Settings > System > About and inspect System type. Do not select ARM64 simply because the computer runs Windows 11; the choice depends on the architecture of Windows.
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#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
The standard filenames for the current release are:
npp.8.9.7.Installer.x64.exe
npp.8.9.7.Installer.arm64.exe
npp.8.9.7.Installer.exeThe official GitHub release also publishes SHA-256 checksums. In a security-sensitive environment, download checksums.sha256 and compare the hash of your installer with the corresponding value. You can calculate a hash in PowerShell with:
Get-FileHash .npp.8.9.7.Installer.x64.exe -Algorithm SHA256Windows SmartScreen may warn about a downloaded executable. First verify that the file came from the official Notepad++ site or GitHub and that its publisher and checksum are correct. If those checks pass, select More info > Run anyway only when you trust the file.
Starting with Notepad++ 8.8.7, the Notepad++ binaries, including the installer, are digitally signed with a GlobalSign certificate.
Install Notepad++ with the Windows installer
- Open the downloaded installer from your browser’s Downloads list or from File Explorer.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- Select the installer language if prompted.
- Proceed through the setup wizard.
- Keep the default installation folder unless you have a specific deployment requirement.
- On the component-selection screen, enable the features you need.
- Finish setup and launch Notepad++ from the Start menu.
The most useful optional components are:
- Plugins Admin: installs the built-in plugin manager.
- Context Menu Entry: adds Edit with Notepad++ to File Explorer.
- Auto-updater: enables update checks from within Notepad++.
On Windows 11, the context-menu entry may appear directly in the compact right-click menu or under Show more options, depending on the Windows build and shell registration.
Choose how Notepad++ stores its settings
The installer can use the normal per-user application-data location or store configuration beside the executable. Selecting Don’t use %AppData% creates a local-configuration installation. The configuration files are kept in the Notepad++ installation directory, and a doLocalConf.xml marker identifies this mode.
Local configuration is useful for a self-contained installation, removable media, or a writable tools folder. It is not always appropriate for a normal shared PC because settings and plugins beside the executable may be accessible to other users who can access that directory.
Run the portable edition
The portable edition does not use an installer:
- Download the matching portable ZIP or 7-Zip archive from the official release.
- Extract it to a writable folder, for example:
C:ToolsNotepad++- Run
notepad++.exefrom the extracted folder.
C:ToolsNotepad++notepad++.exeA portable copy does not automatically create Start-menu shortcuts, file associations, or File Explorer context-menu integration. You must configure those separately if you need them. The portable minimalist package may also omit Plugins Admin; use the full portable package or install the required official plugin-list files manually.
Rank #2
- Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
- Full-Size Wireless Keyboard: Comfortable, quiet typing on a familiar keyboard layout with palm rest, spill-resistant design, and media keys. This wireless keyboard and mouse logitech has easy-access to media keys
- Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
- Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
- Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.
Verify the installation
Launch the editor with Start > Notepad++. To check the installed version, open:
? > AboutFor a more complete diagnostic report, use:
? > Debug InfoDebug Info shows the Notepad++ version, Windows details, configuration mode, and installed plugins. This is useful when troubleshooting a setting or plugin that appears to be missing.
Create, open, and save documents
The primary document commands are available under File:
- File > New creates a blank tab.
- File > Open opens an existing file.
- File > Save saves the current document.
- File > Save As chooses a filename, folder, and file type.
- File > Save All saves every modified tab.
- File > Close closes the current tab.
A new document has no permanent filename until you use File > Save As. The extension normally determines the initial syntax-highlighting choice, but it does not guarantee the correct language mode. To select one manually, use Language and choose the required language.
Control encoding and line endings
Encoding determines how the file’s text is represented as bytes. Use the Encoding menu to inspect or change the document encoding. The status bar shows the active encoding and end-of-line format.
Notepad++ supports these common line-ending formats:
| Format | Typical environment |
|---|---|
| Windows (CR LF) | Traditional Windows text files. |
| Unix (LF) | Linux, macOS, and many programming projects. |
| Mac (CR) | Legacy Macintosh text files. |
To convert line endings, use Edit > EOL Conversion or the end-of-line field in the status bar.
Be careful with encoding. Changing how a file is interpreted is not necessarily the same as converting it. A conversion command can rewrite the file’s bytes. If a document looks garbled, inspect the current encoding first and do not convert and save it until you know which encoding the file should use.
Rank #3
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
- 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
- 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.
Find and replace text
Notepad++ provides these search commands:
- Search > Find searches the current document.
- Search > Replace replaces matching text.
- Search > Find in Files searches a folder and can replace matches across multiple files.
- Search > Mark highlights or bookmarks matches.
- Search > Go to Line jumps to a specific line.
Regular expressions are not active by default. In the Find or Replace dialog, select the regular-expression search mode when you need patterns rather than literal text. Before using Find in Files with replacement enabled, test the pattern on a copy or a small group of files; a broad replacement can alter many documents at once.
Adjust the display
Useful display controls include:
- View > Word Wrap keeps long lines within the editor window.
- View > Zoom > Zoom In and Zoom Out change the text size.
- View > Zoom > Reset Zoom returns to the default size.
- View > Show Symbol reveals spaces, tabs, line endings, and other invisible characters.
- View > Document Map displays a document overview.
- View > Document List shows open documents.
- View > Function List displays recognized functions in supported file types.
- View > Folder as Workspace provides a folder-based file view.
Install plugins
For a standard installation, open:
Plugins > Plugins Admin- Find the plugin in the available list.
- Select its checkbox.
- Choose Install.
- Allow Notepad++ to restart if requested.
Plugins Admin uses the official plugin list maintained in the nppPluginList repository. Plugins run inside the Notepad++ process, so treat them as executable software. Install only plugins shown in Plugins Admin or from a source you have independently verified.
An elevation prompt or restart is normal when plugin files must be written to a protected folder such as Program Files. A portable installation in a writable folder can avoid that restriction, but it does not automatically provide the installer’s shortcuts, associations, or shell integration.
Configure common preferences
Open the main configuration dialog with:
Settings > PreferencesCurrent Preferences pages include General, Editing 1, Editing 2, New Document, Default Directory, Cloud & Link, Search, Language, MISC., Backup, Auto-Completion, Multi-Instance, Delimiters, Print, and Performance.
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- Settings > Preferences > General > Tab Bar for tab behavior.
- Settings > Preferences > New Document for the default language, encoding, and line-ending format of new files.
- Settings > Preferences > Backup for backup and session behavior.
- Settings > Preferences > MISC. > Document Switcher for the document-list panel.
Some older guides show tab settings under a different location because the tab-bar layout was reorganized in the 8.8 series.
Open files from File Explorer
If you selected Context Menu Entry during installation:
- Open File Explorer.
- Right-click a file.
- Choose Edit with Notepad++.
- If it is not in the compact menu, select Show more options.
The command is available for arbitrary file types, not just .txt files, because Notepad++ can open many text-based formats regardless of their extension.
Register the shell command for a portable copy
Portable packages do not automatically register the Explorer integration. If the extracted package contains the contextMenu folder and NppShell.dll, open an elevated Command Prompt in the folder containing contextMenu and run:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
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- Precision Typing: An instantly familiar experience, type with ease and comfort on this full-size wireless keyboard, featuring reduced noise, palm rest, spill-resistant design (1), adjustable tilt legs
- Built For Comfort: The sleek combo's wireless mouse features an ambidextrous shape and soft rubber side grips that fit comfortably in your palm, as well as enhanced tracking and precise cursor control
- Long-Lasting Autonomy: The wireless keyboard and mouse set come with long-lasting battery life, with the keyboard lasting up to 36 months and the wireless mouse for up to 18 months (3)
- Customized Control: Enhanced productivity at your fingertips, the computer keyboard comes built with convenient, essential hotkeys providing direct access to media, calculator, battery check functions
- Wireless Freedom: Plug-and-play your keyboard and mouse with the mini Logitech Unifying USB receiver, for a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft away from your PC or laptop (2)
regsvr32.exe /s .contextmenuNppShell.dllTo remove the registration later, run:
regsvr32.exe /s /u .contextmenuNppShell.dllUpdate Notepad++
For the installer edition, check for an update with:
? > Update Notepad++The updater is not necessarily included in portable or minimalist packages. If certificate or signature validation blocks an update, inspect:
%LOCALAPPDATA%Notepad++logsecurityError.logNetwork-restricted users can configure the updater and Plugins Admin through:
? > Set Updater Proxy…Changing proxy settings requires running Notepad++ with administrator privileges. The official release page remains the best place to confirm the latest stable version because updater availability can lag behind publication.
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Fix common Windows 11 problems
“Edit with Notepad++” is missing
- Restart Windows Explorer or reboot Windows.
- Run the Notepad++ installer again and enable Context Menu Entry.
- If you are using a portable copy, register
NppShell.dllwith the documentedregsvr32.execommand. - Confirm that the
contextMenufolder andNppShell.dllexist in the expected Notepad++ directory.
The command may be hidden behind Show more options.
Plugins Admin is missing
You may have installed the portable minimalist package. Install the full edition, or deploy the official plugin-list files from the nppPluginList project.
A setting or plugin cannot be found
Check the configuration mode in ? > Debug Info. In local mode, configuration and plugins are stored beside notepad++.exe. In normal mode, they are generally stored in the user’s Notepad++ application-data directory. The presence of doLocalConf.xml indicates local configuration.
The text is unreadable
Check the encoding shown in the status bar and use the appropriate command under Encoding. Do not repeatedly convert and save the file while guessing; an incorrect conversion can permanently change its byte representation.
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- The things you do most are right at your fingertips with one-touch controls for instant access to play/pause, volume, mute and the Internet.
- Comfortable low-profile keys: Enjoy fast, fluid quiet typing on a familiar standard layout, including number pad.
- High-definition optical mouse: Smooth, responsive cursor control from a comfortable sculpted mouse.
- Sleek and durable design: Thin profile, spill-resistant design, durable keys and sturdy adjustable tilt legs. Tested under limited conditions (maximum of 60 ml liquid spillage). Do not immerse keyboard in liquid.
- Plug-and-play PC compatibility: Simple USB connection. Works with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 or later or Linux kernel 2.6 or later.
The installer or updater is blocked
Verify the download source, compare its SHA-256 checksum with the official release, inspect the file’s digital signature, and check whether corporate security software or a proxy is blocking the connection. Installing the current release is preferable to using an old version from an outdated tutorial because Notepad++ 8.9.7 includes fixes for security issues involving environment-variable expansion, session-file path handling, WinGUp, macro authentication, and installer PowerShell handling.
Outdated advice to ignore
- There is no official Microsoft Store edition of Notepad++. Use the project’s official download page or GitHub releases.
- Windows 11 does not require the 32-bit build. Select x64, ARM64, or x86 according to System type.
- The Windows 11 context-menu command is not restricted to the old menu; it may appear in the modern menu or under Show more options.
- Portable does not mean that Plugins Admin, shortcuts, file associations, and Explorer integration are included automatically.
- Changing the encoding display is not the same as converting the file’s encoding.
- The version offered by the updater is not always the same as the newest release immediately after publication. Check the official release page when version accuracy matters.
FAQ
Is Notepad++ free on Windows 11?
Yes. Notepad++ is free software. Download it from the official Notepad++ website or the project’s official GitHub releases page.
Which Notepad++ version should I install on Windows 11?
As of August 7, 2026, install Notepad++ 8.9.7. Most Intel and AMD systems need the x64 installer. Use ARM64 only when Settings > System > About reports an ARM64 Windows installation.
Does Notepad++ have an official Microsoft Store app?
No. The Notepad++ project does not distribute an official Microsoft Store edition. Avoid assuming that similarly named Store applications are official.
How do I add Notepad++ to the Windows 11 right-click menu?
Enable Context Menu Entry in the Notepad++ installer. Then right-click a file in File Explorer and select Edit with Notepad++. If necessary, open Show more options. Portable copies require separate shell registration.
Why is Plugins Admin missing?
Plugins Admin may be absent from a portable minimalist package. Install the full installer or full portable package, or follow the official nppPluginList project’s manual deployment instructions.
Where does portable Notepad++ store its settings?
Portable Notepad++ uses local configuration by default, storing settings and plugins beside the executable. A conventional installation normally uses the user’s application-data location unless you select Don’t use %AppData%.
Can Notepad++ edit code and configuration files?
Yes. It supports syntax highlighting for many programming and markup languages. Choose a language manually from the Language menu when the file extension does not select the correct mode.
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The Bottom Line
For most Windows 11 users, download the official Notepad++ 8.9.7 x64 installer, enable Plugins Admin and Context Menu Entry during setup, and keep the default configuration location. Choose ARM64 only when Windows reports ARM64, and use the portable package when you specifically need a self-contained copy. Verify the version under ? > About, configure defaults under Settings > Preferences, and use Plugins > Plugins Admin for trusted extensions.
