Replace Notepad With Notepad Windows 11 (2024)

Here’s a ready-to-use content piece — a step-by-step guide / blog post you can publish on a website, blog, or social media.

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Step 4: Create a New Key for Notepad

Right-click on Image File Execution Options → New → Key. Name the new key exactly:

notepad.exe

How to Undo the Replacement

Simply delete the notepad.exe key you created inside Image File Execution Options. Everything returns to normal instantly. No file deletion, no mess.

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Set Default Language to None

If you don’t want syntax highlighting for plain .txt files: Settings → Preferences → New Document → Set default language to "Normal text". replace notepad with notepad windows 11

✅ Step 1: Install Notepad++

1. Download Notepad++ from notepad-plus-plus.org
2. Run the installer
3. During installation, check “Replace Notepad” (see next step)

Reverting the change

• Follow the same Default apps steps and pick a different app (e.g., Notepad++ or another editor) for the extensions you changed.

If you want, I can provide:

• Exact PowerShell or registry commands to bulk-associate multiple extensions with Notepad (with a safety backup), or
• A short troubleshooting checklist if Notepad doesn’t appear as an option.

Here’s a helpful content piece you can use for a blog, guide, or social media post:

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Step 3: Manual Method (if the above doesn’t work)

If your Notepad++ version lacks the auto-replace feature: Here’s a ready-to-use content piece — a step-by-step

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Backup original Notepad:

   takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe
   icacls C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe /grant administrators:F
   ren C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe notepad.old
   

3. Create a symbolic link:

   mklink C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe "C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe"
   

⚠️ Manual method may break Windows updates — use only if needed.

The Verdict: Should you replace Notepad on Windows 11?

Keep the new Notepad if:

• You only take quick notes, copy/paste snippets, or edit simple .txt files.
• You love that it auto-restores your session now.
• You don't know what "syntax highlighting" means (and you don't need to).

Replace Notepad immediately if:

• You work with code, data, or configuration files.
• You ever say, "Why isn't this JSON formatted?"
• You need to edit a 100MB file without crashing.
• You want dark mode that actually works across all menus (the new Notepad's dark mode is inconsistent in dialog boxes).

✅ Step 3 (Optional): Replace System Notepad Completely

For advanced users who want even .LOG and system-generated notes to open in Notepad++:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Back up the original Notepad:

   takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe
   icacls C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe /grant administrators:F
   ren C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe notepad.old
   

3. Copy Notepad++ as the new Notepad:

   copy "C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe" C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe
   

⚠️ Warning: This modifies system files. Restore by reversing the rename or running sfc /scannow.