Set Notepad++ as Default Text Editor
Associate text files with Notepad++ in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Quick answer
Right-click a `.txt` file, select Open with > Choose another app, select Notepad++, and choose the always-use option if offered.
When to use this feature
File associations are typically configured separately for each extension.
Step-by-step instructions for Windows users
- Open Notepad++ on Windows 10 or Windows 11 and save a backup of the file you plan to edit.
- Right-click a `.txt` file, select Open with > Choose another app, select Notepad++, and choose the always-use option if offered.
- Use Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps when you need to manage several file types.
- Review the result and save a separate copy before replacing the original file.
Important details and compatibility
Use Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps when you need to manage several file types.
Menu labels can differ between versions, and plugins may require a compatible build. Check the application settings on your own PC rather than assuming all installations have the same options.
Common mistakes and safety
Keep the original app available if you depend on its file-format-specific features.
If the result differs from what you expected, undo the change, reopen the original copy, and repeat the steps with a smaller sample.
Frequently asked question
Can I make Notepad++ the default editor?
Yes, Windows allows file-type associations to be changed.
Does this work in the US and Canada?
These Windows editing features are not region-restricted. The instructions use American English menu terminology and apply to supported Windows PCs in the United States and Canada.
Related Notepad++ resources
See the download guide, Windows 11 instructions, FAQ, and all tutorials.
Editorial team · Published 2026-10-20 · Updated 2026-10-20. This is an instructional guide, not a claim of hands-on testing on every Windows build.