Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free and open-source text editor and source code editor built for Microsoft Windows, designed as a lightweight replacement for default text editors.
github.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ File is identical to the one the publisher released (SHA256 matched)
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 8.9.8.1
- Release date
- Sept. 24, 2026
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Installer type
- nullsoft
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id Notepad++.Notepad++ -eSHA256 (file verification)
26f3bcced788fadbac4e7e577b430ea2ce6060cf3bcad993ef4612ecd7d743daWe couldn't find a macOS version of Notepad++ in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
You can try these instead:
We couldn't find a Linux version of Notepad++ in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
You can try these instead:
We couldn't find a Android version of Notepad++ in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has confirmed that these vulnerabilities in older versions of Notepad++ were used in real attacks. Keep the program up to date:
- CVE-2025-15556 – Notepad++ Download of Code Without Integrity Check Vulnerability (Feb. 12, 2026)
Notepad++ 8.9.8.1: what's new?
Highlights
- Syntax highlighting and syntax folding for numerous programming languages
- Tabbed document interface for editing multiple files simultaneously
- Extensive search and replace capabilities using regular expressions
- Plugin ecosystem to extend editor functionality
Who is it for?
Developers, system administrators, and general Windows users who need a fast, lightweight tool for editing source code and plain text files. It is routinely used for tweaking configuration files, reviewing log outputs, and quick scripting tasks.
Good to know before installing
- Officially available only on the Windows platform.
- It is a source code editor rather than a full IDE, lacking built-in compilation and integrated debugging tools out of the box.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on our page to obtain the installer.
- Run the downloaded executable file and follow the setup wizard.
- Launch Notepad++ from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Alternatives
- Visual Studio Code
- Sublime Text
- Geany
Frequently asked questions
Is Notepad++ completely free to use?
Yes, Notepad++ is free and open-source software released under the GPL license.
Does Notepad++ run on macOS or Linux?
Notepad++ natively supports only the Microsoft Windows platform.
Can I install plugins in Notepad++?
Yes, you can browse and install plugins using the built-in Plugin Admin tool.