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Installing Notepad++ on Windows 11

Overview

This guide covers installing Notepad++, a lightweight and extensible text/code editor for Windows.

What you'll do

  • Download and install the latest Notepad++ release
  • Enable useful plugins for development and administration
  • Verify the installation

Before you start

Take a VM snapshot before installing new tools.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 11 VM running
  • Internet access
  • Administrator permissions

Helpful links

Steps

1. Download Notepad++

  1. Open a browser in the VM.
  2. Visit the official site: https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/
  3. Download the latest 64-bit installer (.exe)
  4. Example: npp.8.x.x.Installer.x64.exe

2. Install Notepad++

  1. Run the downloaded installer.
  2. Accept the license and defaults unless you want a custom install path.
  3. Finish the installation wizard.

Caution

Ensure you select the 64-bit version for compatibility with modern plugins.

3. Install Plugins (via Plugins Admin)

  1. Launch Notepad++.
  2. Go to Plugins → Plugins Admin…
  3. Recommended plugins for your lab:
  4. ✅ NppExec → run scripts inside Notepad++
  5. ✅ Compare → side-by-side file comparison
  6. ✅ XML Tools → pretty-print and validate XML
  7. ✅ MarkdownViewer++ → preview Markdown notes
  8. ✅ JSON Viewer → parse and format JSON
  9. Select plugins → click Install → restart Notepad++ if prompted.

4. (Optional) Set as Default Editor

  1. Right-click a .txt file → Open with → Choose another app
  2. Select Notepad++
  3. Tick Always use this app → OK

Verification

  • Launch Notepad++ from the Start Menu
  • Check Plugins → Plugins Admin → confirm chosen plugins are installed
  • Right-click a file → confirm Edit with Notepad++ appears in the context menu

It worked if…

  • Notepad++ launches without errors
  • Plugins install successfully
  • Files open in Notepad++ by default (if configured)

Troubleshooting

  • Plugins Admin missing → install the 64-bit version (older 32-bit builds may lack it)
  • Plugin install fails → run Notepad++ as Administrator, then retry
  • File associations don’t stick → reset defaults via Windows Settings → Apps → Default apps

Common issues

  • Wrong installer used → uninstall/reinstall correct 64-bit build
  • Plugins missing → check Plugin Manager log

References