Notepad++ is a free, open-source source code editor and Notepad replacement running in the Microsoft Windows environment. It supports syntax highlighting for over 80 programming languages and natural languages, a tabbed multi-document interface, a powerful macro system, regex-based Find & Replace, and an extensive plugin ecosystem. Notepad++ is governed by the GPL License and is completely free as in both "free speech" and "free beer."
Whether you're editing HTML, writing Python scripts, working with JSON, comparing file diffs, or building macros for repetitive edits — Notepad++ delivers speed and flexibility without the overhead of a full IDE. Compare Notepad++ vs VS Code, Sublime Text, Vim, and Notepad2 to find the best lightweight code editor for Windows.
- Syntax Highlighting & Folding — built-in support for 80+ languages including C++, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, XML, JSON, Markdown, and more
- Tabbed Multi-Document Interface — work with dozens of files simultaneously in a clean, fast tabbed layout
- Plugin System — extend functionality with hundreds of community plugins: ComparePlugin, NppFTP, JSON Viewer, DSpellCheck, CSV Lint, and more
- Powerful Find & Replace — regex-based search, multi-line replace, search in files, and incremental search with match count
- Macro Recording & Playback — record keystroke sequences and replay them for repetitive editing tasks
- User Defined Language (UDL) — create custom syntax highlighting for any language with the UDL editor
- Column/Block Editing — rectangular text selection and column-mode editing for structured data
- Auto-Completion — word and function completion with customizable trigger length
- Document Map — bird's-eye view of your document for quick navigation
- Dark Mode & Themes — built-in dark mode, Dracula theme, VS2012 Dark, Dark+ Modern, and community themes
- Multi-Caret Editing — place multiple insertion points for simultaneous edits
- Portable Mode — run from a USB drive without installation
- GPG-Signed Releases — every release is cryptographically signed for integrity verification
- Download the latest installer using the button above.
- Run
npp.8.9.7.Installer.exeand follow the setup wizard. - Open any file or drag-and-drop files onto the Notepad++ window.
- Install plugins via Plugins → Plugins Admin to extend functionality.
- Customize syntax highlighting, themes, and keyboard shortcuts in Settings.
Pro Tip: Use the Folder as Workspace panel (added in 8.9.8) to browse and open project files directly from a directory tree with persistent expand/collapse state across sessions.
- Windows 10 / 11 (32-bit or 64-bit) — ARM64 also supported
- ~4 MB disk space for the standard installer
- No additional runtime dependencies
- 5 security vulnerabilities fixed (CVE-2026-52886, CVE-2026-54758, CVE-2026-57233, and two unassigned CVEs)
- Folder as Workspace expand/collapse state is now remembered across sessions
- "nth/count" information added to Incremental Search bar
- Multiple regression fixes and stability improvements
Recommendations:
- Download only from this official GitHub repository.
- Scan files on VirusTotal.
Compare Notepad++ with alternatives before choosing your Windows text editor:
- Notepad++ — best for lightweight Windows editing, plugin ecosystem, and offline use
- VS Code — best for full IDE features, extensions marketplace, and remote development
- Sublime Text — best for speed and multi-platform support with a one-time license fee
- Vim / Neovim — best for terminal-centric, keyboard-driven workflows
- Notepad2 — best ultra-minimal Notepad replacement without plugin overhead
Contributions are welcome! Help improve compatibility, add features, or fix issues.
Notepad++ is shared under the MIT License.
See LICENSE for details.
Copyright © 2026 artinkavousi
- Don HO for creating and maintaining Notepad++ for over two decades.
- The Notepad++ community for plugins, themes, UDL files, and bug reports.
- Scintilla and Lexilla editing component maintainers.
- All contributors listed on the Contributors page.
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