Make Notepad++ Default Program

Gerald Hanley

How do I make notepad ++ the default program in Windows 10? It doesn’t show up as an option in default programs.

Claudia Frank

what do you mean by default program in windows 10?
Do you mean, open, let’s say txt files with npp always?
If so, right click on the txt file,
->properties,
->press change button
->more apps
->scroll down
->look for another app on this pc
->goto npp install directory and select npp
->apply
->ok

Cheers
Claudia

Công Cà Cuống

For .TXT file, it is ok.

How can I make NPP as default program to open a no-extension file? Exam: “Makefile” (a special file, containing shell commands, that you create and name makefile, Makefile…)

Claudia Frank

@Công-Cà-Chớn

you need to hack the registry. (regedit.exe)

Under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT create a key . (a dot)
under the dot key create a key shell
under shell key create a key open
under open key create a key command
so you should have

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.\shell\open\command]

doube click the default icon in the right pane and put in the complete path to npp and add %1.
The path to npp should be encased by double quotes so something like

“D:\ProgramData\notepad++\notepad++.exe” %1

Of course with your installation path.

Close regedit, done.

Cheers
Claudia

Công Cà Cuống

@Claudia-Frank

Yeah, thanks for your support. It’s very good.

musikerv

For Windows 7 but I think for 10 will be very similar
Very easy non-registry method:

1.Run Npp as Administrator.
2.Settings->Preferences->File Association
3.Choose from ‘Supported extenstions’, e.g. “.txt” and add it to “Registered extensions”.
This gives Notepad++ as an option in windows context menu when clicking “Open with…”->“Choose default program…”
This was NOT possible before by simple navigation into Npp install folder (cause it was not pre-listed in the proposed applications by Windows)

Tataaaan!

Geo R

@musikerv Thanks much this is the easy way to make changes.
BTW, npp = the program itself Notepad++

Using the tab Settings and then Preferences