Replace Notepad With Notepad Windows 11 Extra Quality Jun 2026

Add functionalities like XML linting, FTP synchronization, and compare tools with a single click.

Right-click on the Image File Execution Options folder (key). Select > Key . Name this new key exactly notepad.exe . Step 4: Create the Debugger String Right-click on your newly created notepad.exe key. Select New > String Value . Name this new value Debugger . Double-click the Debugger string to modify it.

This method changes the default for that file type immediately.

Hover over and select Choose another app from the flyout menu. Select Notepad++ from the list of available applications. replace notepad with notepad windows 11

If you just want your .txt files to open in a different app without deleting the original Notepad, this is the safest route. any .txt file and select Properties .

In the search bar under "Set defaults for applications," type . Click on the default Notepad application entry.

Return to Apps → Advanced app settings → App execution aliases and toggle the Notepad entry back ON. Name this new key exactly notepad

So go ahead. Take back your text editing workflow. Whether you are writing code, editing configuration files, taking notes, or just scratching out a quick list, there is a perfect Notepad replacement out there waiting for you. All you have to do is choose it, set it as your default, and never look back.

Find "Notepad" in your Installed Apps list and click Uninstall . Windows will often automatically fall back to the legacy notepad.exe located in C:\Windows\System32 .

This is a more technical approach:

If you want your alternative editor to hijack the notepad.exe command completely—meaning it opens even when apps explicitly call for Notepad—you can use a Registry tweak. Step 1: Create a Registry File Open the existing Windows 11 Notepad. Copy and paste the following code into the blank document:

Modifying the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause system instability. Follow these instructions carefully, or back up your registry before proceeding. Step 1: Open the Registry Editor Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.

You will see a list of file types (like .txt , .log , .ini ). Click on .txt . Name this new value Debugger

Method 2: Use Registry Image File Execution Options (Global Replacement)

Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases the switch for Notepad (notepad.exe) Launch the Original