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In this article we will show you how to Install Notepad++ on Windows or Mac. Notepad++ is free and open-source software that is mostly used as a code editor or text editor. Don Ho came up with it. It can be read in almost 90 languages. It lets you work on multiple files at once in a single window. It only works with the Windows running system. It came out for the first time on November 24, 2003, and the most recent version of it is 8.1.9.3. It uses the computer language C++. It has a simple way to use it.
Out there, there are a lot of writing editors. But Notepad++ is one of the best text tools you can use. Notepad++ is one of the best programs for editing text and scripts on a Windows computer. Compared to the normal Windows text editor, Notepad, Notepad++ has a lot more features. Notepad++ works with many programming languages, like C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, and so on. One of the worst things about Notepad++ is that it doesn’t work with Mac. Only Windows OS works with it. Here are the steps how to Install Notepad++ on Windows or Mac.
Benefits of Using Notepad++
- Versatility: Notepad++ is a versatile text editor that supports a wide range of programming languages, making it suitable for various coding tasks and web development projects.
- Syntax Highlighting: Notepad++ provides syntax highlighting for different programming languages, making the code more readable and easier to understand. It color-codes different elements of the code, such as keywords, variables, and comments, enhancing the coding experience.
- Code Folding: Notepad++ allows you to collapse and expand sections of code, known as code folding. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with lengthy or complex code, as it enables you to focus on specific sections and declutter the workspace.
- Powerful Search and Replace: Notepad++ offers robust search and replace functionality, including regular expressions. It allows you to quickly find specific pieces of code, make replacements, and perform batch operations, saving time and effort.
- Customizability: Notepad++ offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the editor according to your preferences. You can customize the interface, choose from various themes, and install plugins to extend its functionality and support additional features.
System Requirements for Installing Notepad++
Notepad++ may have different system requirements based on the version and platform you use. But here are the general system needs for installing Notepad++ on a computer running Windows:

- Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
- Processor: Intel Pentium or compatible processor
- RAM: At least 256 MB
- Hard Disk Space: Approximately 10 MB of free disk space
- Display: 800×600 resolution or higher
How to Install Notepad++ on Windows
- Use a web browser to go to the main Notepad++ Official website.
- To get to the download page, click the “Download” button on the home page.
- On the page where you can download, you can see a list of all the versions. Choose the most recent stable version that works with your Windows version (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Click on the link for the version you want to download to start getting the installation package.
- When the download is done, find the file you got and double-click it to start the installer.
- The software will walk you through the process of setting up. Follow the steps on the screen, read and agree to the license agreement, choose where to install, and, if you want, choose any extra components or settings.
- Click the “Install” button to start the process of setting up.
- Just wait until the process is done. When it’s done, you’ll see a message that says Notepad++ was installed successfully.
- Notepad++ can now be opened from the Start menu or a folder on your desktop.
How to Install Notepad++ on Mac
- Open your web browser and go to https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ to find out more about Notepad++.
- Go to the website and find the part called “Download.”
- Find the Mac version of Notepad++ and click on the download link to start getting the installation package.
- Once the download is done, find the file you got (it’s usually in a folder called “Downloads”) and double-click it to open the installer.
- Follow the steps that the installer gives you to finish the process. This could mean agreeing to the terms of the license, picking where to install, and confirming the installation process.
- Just wait until the process is done. When it’s done, Notepad++ will have been successfully loaded on your Mac.
How to Uninstall Notepad++ on Windows
- On your Windows computer, open the Control Panel. You can find it by looking for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + X and choosing “Control Panel” from the menu.
- Go to “Programs” or “Programs and Features” (based on your version of Windows) in the Control Panel.
- Look for “Notepad++” in the list of apps that have been installed.
- Select “Notepad++” and click the “Uninstall” or “Remove” button at the top.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to confirm the removal and finish the process.
- Notepad++ will be taken off your machine when the uninstallation is done.
How to Uninstall Notepad++ on Mac
- Open a Finder window.
- Find the area called “Applications.”
- Find the Notepad++ program in the list of programs that have been loaded.
- Move the Notepad++ app to the Trash button in the Dock to get rid of it. You can also right-click on the Notepad++ program and choose “Move to Trash.”
- To Uninstall Notepad++ for good, right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock and choose “Empty Trash.”
- When asked, confirm the move.
- Notepad++ will be taken off of your Mac once you empty the Trash.
Configuring Notepad++ for Optimal Performance
- Open Notepad++.
- Choose “Settings” from the menu.
- Choose “Preferences” from the menu that drops down.
- Go to the “MISC.” tab in the Preferences window.
- Turn on the “Reduce” choice for “CPU usage” to make slower machines work better.
- If you want to scroll more smoothly, turn on the “Smooth scrolling” choice.
- If you don’t use the extension column in the file list, turn on the “Disable extension column” option.
- Find the “Editing” tab and click on it.
- Change the settings to the way you like them. For example, you can change the tab size, indentation, and text style.
- Find the “Backup” tab and click on it.
- You can decide how Notepad++ should handle saved files. You can choose between “Simple backup” and “Verbose backup.”
- Find the “Auto-completion” tab and click on it.
- Set up auto-completion based on the programming language you use and how you like to work.
- Find the “Language” tab and click on it.
- Choose the right language from the list to change the choices for syntax highlighting and code folding.
- To save your choices, click the “Close” button.
Exploring Notepad++ Features and Tools
- Syntax Highlighting: Notepad++ makes it easier to read and understand code by highlighting the syntax of different computer languages. Based on the language chosen, it shows keywords, comments, strings, and other parts in bold.
- Code Folding: This feature lets you collapse and expand sections of code, making it easier to move through big files. You can fold functions, loops, and conditional lines to focus on certain parts of your code.
- Autocompletion: As you type, Notepad++ will suggest things to type next, making it easier to write code. Depending on the language you’re using, it offers keywords, functions, and variable names.
- Search and Replace: With Notepad++’s search and replace feature, you can look for certain text in a file and change it with new text. It works with regular expressions and has choices for searching by case and matching whole words.
- different Document Interface (MDI): The MDI feature of Notepad++ lets you work on different documents at the same time. You can open several tabs, switch between files, and even compare two papers by putting them next to each other.
- Recording Macros: You can record and play back macros in Notepad++. Macros are sets of actions that you can automate. This can be helpful when you need to do the same thing over and over or make changes to a lot of files.
Best Notepad++ Plugins and Extensions
- NppExec: lets you run external programs or scripts from within Notepad++. It also gives you a lot of choices for building and running code that you can customize.
- Explorer: Adds a file explorer panel to Notepad++ so that files and folders can be navigated and managed easily from within the editor.
- AutoSave: Saves your changes that haven’t been saved yet at regular times, so you’re less likely to lose your work if something unexpected happens.
- Compare: This tool lets you compare two files or groups and show the differences between them. This is useful for reviewing code or merging changes.
- HTMLTag: offers better HTML and XML tag highlighting, auto-completion, and style, which makes it easier to work with markup languages.
- XML Tools: Offers a number of functions for working with and analyzing XML, such as validation, formatting, and XPath execution.
How to Update Notepad++ to the Latest Version
- Open Notepad++.
- Click on “Settings” to get to the menu.
- Choose “Check for Updates” from the menu.
- Notepad++ will connect to the internet to see if there are any changes available.
- If there is an update, a dialogue box will show up with details about the new version.
- Click “Download & Update” to start getting the most recent version.
- You will be asked to close Notepad++ once the file is done.
- Close any files or tabs that are open in Notepad++ and click “Yes” to move forward.
- The installation process for the update will start.
- Follow the steps given by the download wizard to finish the process of updating.
- Once the update is done, you can open Notepad++ again, and you will be using the most recent version.
Questions and Answers
You might think that you can’t get Notepad++ for Mac because you can’t download Notepad for Mac, but that’s not the case. Notepad++ depends a lot on the 32-bit application programming interface for current versions of Windows called Win32 API.
TextEdit, which comes with every Mac, is the most clear alternative to NotePad. It’s a simple app for writing, but you can also use it to change HTML. Go to File > “Ignore rich content commands in HTML files” to open it in HTML mode. TextEdit is included for free on every Mac.
Notepad++ is a free text editor for Windows that is meant to replace the Notepad editor that comes with Windows 11 computers by default. Notepad++ is easy to get from the Notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/ page on its official website. Notepad++v8 is the most up-to-date version of Notepad++.
The Notebook app is just like a paper notebook from the old days, except it’s for your digital life. Start a new note and add text, pictures, lists, sketches, audio clips, or videos. Scan something like a paper or a business card. Apple Pencil lets you take notes by hand on your iPad.