Replace Notepad With Notepad Windows 11 Jun 2026

Windows 11 actually keeps the classic "win32" version of Notepad hidden. You can force Windows to use it by disabling the "Alias" for the new app: : Open Settings > Apps .

If the app closes or the PC reboots, Notepad++ remembers your unsaved files and restores them exactly as they were.

(if you want it gone entirely):

The good news is that Windows 11 users have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to text editing alternatives. From Microsoft’s own command-line Edit tool to powerful open-source editors like Notepad++, there is an option for every preference and workflow.

Best for: Developers, IT pros, and power users. replace notepad with notepad windows 11

If you need to know how to add custom syntax highlighting or need plugin recommendations, I can help you with those next steps.

Even after setting file associations, typing "notepad" into the Command Prompt or Run dialog ( Win+R ) will still open the native app. To completely replace it, you can use the Windows Image File Execution Options (IFEO) registry method.

Before diving into the how-to, it is worth understanding why so many users are looking to leave the default Notepad behind. The modern Windows 11 Notepad is a very different beast from the one that shipped with Windows 95, XP, or even Windows 10.

In Windows 11, the native Notepad is now a "Store App," which makes it easier to remove than in previous versions of Windows. Go to > Apps > Installed Apps . Search for Notepad . Click the three dots ( ... ) and select Uninstall . Windows 11 actually keeps the classic "win32" version

No, the AI features (Write, Rewrite, Summarize) are exclusive to Microsoft's Notepad app. However, Notepad++ has a rich ecosystem of plugins that offer similar functionality. For example, there are plugins for AI text generation, though you may need to configure them with an API key.

If you ever want to revert back to the original Windows 11 Notepad, open the Administrator Command Prompt again and run this command:

Set the value to the path of your editor, followed by -notepadStyleCmdline -z (e.g., "C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe" -notepadStyleCmdline -z ). Why Switch?

How to Replace Notepad with Notepad++ in Windows 11: A Complete Guide (if you want it gone entirely): The good

Windows 11 includes a modern Notepad "app" with tabs and AI features, but the old notepad.exe is still hidden in the system. To make it the default again: Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps . Search for Notepad . Click the three dots (...) and select Uninstall .

: To ensure the classic version appears in "Open with" menus, open and navigate to:

While the new Notepad features tabs and dark mode, it still lacks: for coding Multi-line search and replace Plugin support for extended functionality Large file handling (it often lags with massive logs) Method 1: The "Open With" Shortcut (Easiest)

Some Windows system tools (like script editors, update logs) expect the real Notepad. Replacing it in rare cases. For most developers and power users, it works flawlessly.