Notepad++

by Don Ho · Developer tools

Open sourceWindows

Lightweight Windows text editor with syntax highlighting and tabs.

Official download from notepad-plus-plus.org (opens in a new tab)

Opens notepad-plus-plus.org, Don Ho's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Notepad++?

Notepad++ is a small, fast replacement for Windows Notepad. It highlights syntax for dozens of languages, has tabs, powerful find-and-replace with regex and a plugin system.

Key features

  • Syntax highlighting for 80+ languages
  • Tabbed editing
  • Regex find and replace across files
  • Plugins and macros

Best for

  • Quick edits of code or config files
  • Cleaning up text with regex
  • Older or low-spec Windows PCs

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Notepad++

  1. 1Open the official Notepad++ download page on notepad-plus-plus.org.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Notepad++.Notepad++ -e --source winget

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Notepad++ safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on notepad-plus-plus.org. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Notepad++ alternatives

Other developer tools apps, closest platform match first.

All development

FAQ

Notepad++ questions

Where can I download Notepad++ safely?

Download Notepad++ only from Don Ho's official site at notepad-plus-plus.org. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Notepad++ free?

Yes. Notepad++ is open-source software and free to use.

Does Notepad++ work on Windows?

Notepad++ is available for Windows. Check Don Ho's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Notepad++ from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Notepad++.Notepad++ -e). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Notepad++?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full developer tools list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.