How to replace Notepad with VS Code or Notepad++ on all Windows operating systems

If you frequently open text files from Explorer, you'll know how frustrating it can be to have "notepad.exe" launch by default and limit your options. Many prefer to redirect that call to the powerful Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code to gain features, speed and productivity across the entire system.

In this article, I'll show you how to safely replace Notepad with Notepad++ or VS Code on Windows, and I'll also go over when it's best to use a basic editor, a code-oriented editor, or a full-featured IDE. You'll also see how to deal with encoding issues in Windows 11 (UTF‑16 BE, ANSI, etc.) and a quick guide to alternative editors with pros, cons, prices, and reviews. Let's learn everything about How to replace Notepad with VS Code or Notepad++.

Why replace Notepad with Notepad++ or VS Code

Notepad has improved recently (tabs, resume session), but it's still very limited compared to other options. Notepad++ is lightweight, free, and packed with key features for editing code or large text. (tabs, macros, advanced search, bookmarks, split screen, language detection, plugins, MD5/SHA signatures, persistent sessions).

VS Code, on the other hand, plays in a different league: IntelliSense for contextual auto-completion, Git integration, embedded terminal and a huge marketplace with extensions and widgets that do contribute to EdgeIt's heavier than Notepad++, but very versatile and modular for virtually any stack.

For very basic tasks, Notepad still delivers; for development or log analysis with regular expressions, macros, and complex searches, Notepad++ speeds up work a lot. And if you also want to debug, version and expand capabilities without limits, VS Code makes it easy for you.

How to Redirect Notepad.exe to Notepad++ Using the Registry (Reliable Method)

The most effective technique to replace Notepad throughout Windows is to take advantage of Image File Execution Options (IFEO). It consists of creating a key for notepad.exe and defining a "Debugger" that points to notepad++.exe; so every time the system launches notepad.exe, Notepad++ will open.

You will need administrator permissions and caution when editing the Registry. Make a backup before touching anything. The key path is: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\notepad.exe

For your convenience, you can create a .reg with content similar to this (adjust the path if you installed Notepad++ in another folder or in 32-bit): The -notepadStyleCmdline flag mimics the behavior of notepad.exe and -z prevents displaying the “Open file” dialog when appropriate.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 "Debugger"="C:\\Program Files\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe -notepadStyleCmdline -z"

Save the file with the .reg extension, double-click and confirm. From that moment on, any invocation of notepad.exe will open Notepad++, whether you call from Explorer, Run, scripts, or applications.

Useful context menu trick: If you already have the "Edit with Notepad++" action, this global integration It allows you to invoke it even with keyboard shortcuts (for example the letter "E" in some menus) and maintain a more consistent experience across the system.

Can you do it with VS Code? Just set the path and you're done.

The same idea as IFEO works to redirect notepad.exe to VS Code. The procedure is identical: create the notepad.exe key and define “Debugger” with the path to code.exe in your Visual Studio Code installation. If you use parameters, make sure they emulate Notepad behavior (e.g., opening files from the command line).

Although VS Code is heavier than Notepad++, many prefer it for its Marketplace and integrated terminal. If your workflow relies on extensions, debugging, and Git, VS Code as a global replacement may make sense..

Replacing from the command line (32/64 bit)

In addition to manual registration or .reg, there is a command-line approach with administrator privileges that registers the replacement for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The principle is the same: create the IFEO key and the "Debugger" value. pointing to your preferred editor.

If you decide to go this route, run Command Prompt as administrator and apply the appropriate command for your architecture. When finished, Windows will confirm that the change was successful. and you will see the new behavior when opening text files.

Associate .txt with Notepad++ without blocking Notepad

You may not want to disable notepad.exe and just want .txt files to open in Notepad++ by default. To do this, create a test .txt on the desktop > Properties > Change and choose Notepad++ from the list of applications.

If it doesn't appear, tap "More apps" and then "Look for another app on my computer" to highlight the executable. Typical routes: C:\\Program Files\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe (64-bit installation) or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe (32-bit installation on 64-bit OS).

This way you can open Notepad++ by default without preventing you from launching Notepad whenever you want. It is a less intrusive and very practical alternative for users who switch editors..

How to undo the changes

If you used the IFEO method, you have two options to revert: delete the “Debugger” value or directly delete the notepad.exe key under Image File Execution Options. After reverting, notepad.exe will reopen the original Notepad. throughout the system.

If you preferred the file association route, go back to .txt Properties > Change and choose “Notepad” as the default application. In seconds the default experience will be restored for that type of files.

Encodings in Windows 11: UTF-16 BE vs ANSI (and how to open a .pak file properly)

With Windows 11, some users are seeing that Notepad opens certain .pak files in “UTF‑16 BE” and displays garbled text, while another external editor reads them in “ANSI” without issues. This happens because Notepad tries to guess the encoding and can make mistakes..

Practical solutions: Open the file in an editor that allows forced encoding on opening (Notepad++, for example). From there you can try reopening as ANSI or converting between encodings. when the content is actually plain text. If the .pak isn't text (many .paks are binary containers), don't expect to read it correctly in any editor.

If you're coming from Windows 10, you'll notice some behavioral changes in Notepad in Windows 11; That's why having Notepad++ or VS Code to choose coding on the fly saves you headaches. with logs, scripts and files with mixed formats.

When to use a basic editor, a code editor, or an IDE

As system administrators, we tend to do everything: small batch or PowerShell tasks, scheduled tasks, HTML tweaks... For one-off, inconsequential changes, a simple editor like Notepad is fine. (find/replace, go to line with Ctrl+G, line wrap, etc.).

When you're working with code, large logs, and regular expressions, the jump pays off. A code-oriented editor (Notepad++ / VS Code) provides auto-completion, highlighting, macros, debugging, or terminal integration., without carrying the full weight of an IDE if it is not necessary.

What about an IDE? For projects with compilation, interface design, templates, deep debugging, and version control all in one, An IDE speeds things up a lot (think Eclipse/NetBeans for Java or Visual Studio for .NET)There are developers who prefer to avoid complex IDEs, but for certain workflows (such as Android builds) it's almost unavoidable.

If you work primarily in infrastructure and automation, it's common to stick to code editors. VS Code scales with extensions and profiles; Notepad++ shines for its lightness and speed in everyday tasks..

Quick comparison: Notepad, Notepad++ and VS Code

Notepad: Now with tabs and resume, it's still the most basic. Ideal for pasting, reviewing plain text and making hassle-free changes, but it falls short for advanced development or analysis tasks.

Notepad++: open source, free, very light. Supports dozens of languages, macros, bookmarks, split screen, plugins and advanced find/replace. It has a portable version, excellent for taking with any computer.

VS Code: Free, extensible, and cross-platform. IntelliSense, command palette, Git, and terminal, plus countless extensions in its marketplace.

Highly rated alternatives to Notepad++

If you're up for some exploration, there are editors that can replace or complement Notepad++ depending on your style and stack. These stand out for their balance between performance, features and community..

Sublime Text

It is one of the most popular alternatives due to its speed and finishes. GoTo Anything, multi-cursor/multi-folder editing, and command palette with adaptive matching speed things up. The latest version improves contextual autocomplete and split-view editing.

• Better: multi-editing, command palette, high level of customization
• Limitations: Free version with purchase notifications; multi-file search could be improved
• Price: license $99
• Ratings: G2 4,5/5 (1.700+), Capterra 4,7/5 (1.300+)

GNU Emacs

More than an editor: debugger, file manager, project planner and even IRC clientEmacs Lisp allows for extreme customization. It integrates with GDB and offers auto-completion, highlighting, and file comparison.

• Better: integrated documentation, customization, text/code modes
• Limitations: steep learning curve, sometimes incomplete documentation
• Ratings: G2 4,5/5 (80+), TrustRadius 8,0/10 (10+)

Visual Studio Code

Possibly the most complete editor today. IntelliSense, command palette, Git, and terminal, plus countless extensions in its marketplace.

• Better: extensibility, performance and ecosystem
• Limitations: can consume quite a bit of RAM and overwhelm at startup
• Price: free
• Ratings: G2 4,7/5 (2.100+), Capterra 4,8/5 (1.500+)

Apache NetBeans

Focused on Java, but expandable to more languages. Includes Swing GUI Builder, debugging, autocompletion, and Git, and fits perfectly with Apache Maven for managing projects.

• Better: Java functions, GUI Builder, Maven integration
• Limitations: may close abruptly; somewhat classic interface
• Price: free
• Ratings: TrustRadius 7,8/10 (100+), Capterra 4,3/5 (200+)

UltraEdit

An all-terrain vehicle that drives huge files without breaking a sweat. Code folding, multi-folder editing, powerful search and replace, FTP/SFTP client, and integrated hex editor.

• Better: Performance with large files, macros, customization
• Limitations: may be excessive for small tasks; dense initial navigation
• Price: $79,95/year (subscription), $149,95 perpetual, All Access options
• Ratings: G2 4,7/5 (1.100+), Capterra 4,6/5 (30+)

Vim

The classic modal. Editing/navigation modes, split windows, highlighting, and scripting with VimscriptOnce you've mastered the shortcuts, you'll be flying with the keyboard.

• Better: keyboard productivity, lightness, extensibility
• Limitations: learning curve; CLI interface vs. modern GUI
• Ratings: G2 4,4/5 (260+), Capterra 4,7/5

brackets

Front-end oriented. Inline CSS/JS editing, live preview, and Less/Sass support with on-the-fly compilation.

• Better: Fast web flow, browser integration
• Limitations: sometimes consumes resources; debugging and error tracking could be improved
• Price: free
• Ratings: G2 4,4/5 (250+), TrustRadius 8,7/10 (30+)

geany

Minimalist but very capable. Supports over 50 languages, code folding, integrated terminal and file browser.

• Better: lightness, embedded terminal, basic customization
• Limitations: less plugins and customization than others
• Price: free

I'm saying

Supports more than 200 languages ​​out of the box. Code folding, split view, and a built-in macro language to automate tasks.

• Better: great language and macro compatibility
• Limitations: Shortcuts and settings can be confusing at first
• Price: free
• Ratings: G2 4,6/5 (10+)

TextPad

Focused on Windows. Macro recording, project management, and file comparison, with classic interface.

• Better: quick macros, project organization
• Limitations: somewhat outdated interface; recorded macros are not edited
• Price: from $27 (individual license)
• Ratings: G2 4,4/5 (130+), Capterra 4,6/5 (10+)

Notepad, tricks and useful little curiosities

Despite its limitations, Notepad has some aces up its sleeve. Go to line (Ctrl+G), word wrap, simple search and extension-free saving making it ideal for quick notes or minimal edits.

Other little-known details: if you add ".LOG" to the first line and save, Each opening automatically adds the date and timeIt also allows you to search Bing directly from a selected URL, and includes right-to-left layout.

Of course, if you're looking for built-in help... what it really does is launch you into Bing. For any slightly advanced use, jumping to Notepad++ or VS Code will be worth it. in minutes.

Support tools for development teams

In addition to the editor, work management makes a difference in productivity. Platforms like ClickUp allow you to organize sprints, roadmaps, automations, whiteboards, and dashboards. with multiple views and real-time collaboration.

ClickUp offers an AI-powered assistant for writing documentation, project briefs, requirements, or test plans, which relieves the team of heavy lifting and keeps the focus on the codeThere's a free plan, and paid plans start at $7/month per user (AI for $5/member on paid plans).

In terms of productivity, the "fine-tuned editor + project management" combo goes a long way. Coordinating tasks, tagging, commenting, and visualizing flow in Kanban reduces friction. and avoids bottlenecks between development and operations.

With all of the above, you can now choose the strategy that best suits you: Redirect notepad.exe to Notepad++ or VS Code for a complete replacement, selectively associate .txt files, or alternate depending on the job.If you're dealing with tricky encoding in Windows 11, rely on editors that allow you to force or convert encoding. And if you want to explore, the range of alternatives and support tools is vast, allowing you to fine-tune your workflow to exactly what you need.