How can I make Notepad++ default program for `.txt` files?











up vote
7
down vote

favorite
3












I would like .txt files to open with Notepad++ by default in Windows 10. I have found the options to change file associations but there is no option to specify custom programs. Here's a screen shot:



enter image description here



How can I make Notepad++ default program for .txt files?










share|improve this question




















  • 2




    Are you sure that Notepad++ has been installed using setup.exe and was not just extracted from .zip archive which is a.k.a. "portable installation" ? You can associate file type only to the applications installed using setup.exe
    – maoizm
    Oct 25 at 13:04










  • @maoizm I use portable versions of Notepad++ and I have no problems associating it as the default for .html, .css, .js, etc. filetypes
    – InterLinked
    Nov 1 at 20:08






  • 1




    @InterLinked well, thanks, this is really helpful as I use a lot of portables and for sure last time I tried it didn't work
    – maoizm
    Nov 2 at 6:10










  • Possible duplicate of SSMS wont give up file associations
    – Scott
    Nov 11 at 17:46















up vote
7
down vote

favorite
3












I would like .txt files to open with Notepad++ by default in Windows 10. I have found the options to change file associations but there is no option to specify custom programs. Here's a screen shot:



enter image description here



How can I make Notepad++ default program for .txt files?










share|improve this question




















  • 2




    Are you sure that Notepad++ has been installed using setup.exe and was not just extracted from .zip archive which is a.k.a. "portable installation" ? You can associate file type only to the applications installed using setup.exe
    – maoizm
    Oct 25 at 13:04










  • @maoizm I use portable versions of Notepad++ and I have no problems associating it as the default for .html, .css, .js, etc. filetypes
    – InterLinked
    Nov 1 at 20:08






  • 1




    @InterLinked well, thanks, this is really helpful as I use a lot of portables and for sure last time I tried it didn't work
    – maoizm
    Nov 2 at 6:10










  • Possible duplicate of SSMS wont give up file associations
    – Scott
    Nov 11 at 17:46













up vote
7
down vote

favorite
3









up vote
7
down vote

favorite
3






3





I would like .txt files to open with Notepad++ by default in Windows 10. I have found the options to change file associations but there is no option to specify custom programs. Here's a screen shot:



enter image description here



How can I make Notepad++ default program for .txt files?










share|improve this question















I would like .txt files to open with Notepad++ by default in Windows 10. I have found the options to change file associations but there is no option to specify custom programs. Here's a screen shot:



enter image description here



How can I make Notepad++ default program for .txt files?







windows-10 file-association






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Oct 15 at 11:59









Paolo Forgia

1033




1033










asked May 20 at 10:24









CiaranWelsh

2233411




2233411








  • 2




    Are you sure that Notepad++ has been installed using setup.exe and was not just extracted from .zip archive which is a.k.a. "portable installation" ? You can associate file type only to the applications installed using setup.exe
    – maoizm
    Oct 25 at 13:04










  • @maoizm I use portable versions of Notepad++ and I have no problems associating it as the default for .html, .css, .js, etc. filetypes
    – InterLinked
    Nov 1 at 20:08






  • 1




    @InterLinked well, thanks, this is really helpful as I use a lot of portables and for sure last time I tried it didn't work
    – maoizm
    Nov 2 at 6:10










  • Possible duplicate of SSMS wont give up file associations
    – Scott
    Nov 11 at 17:46














  • 2




    Are you sure that Notepad++ has been installed using setup.exe and was not just extracted from .zip archive which is a.k.a. "portable installation" ? You can associate file type only to the applications installed using setup.exe
    – maoizm
    Oct 25 at 13:04










  • @maoizm I use portable versions of Notepad++ and I have no problems associating it as the default for .html, .css, .js, etc. filetypes
    – InterLinked
    Nov 1 at 20:08






  • 1




    @InterLinked well, thanks, this is really helpful as I use a lot of portables and for sure last time I tried it didn't work
    – maoizm
    Nov 2 at 6:10










  • Possible duplicate of SSMS wont give up file associations
    – Scott
    Nov 11 at 17:46








2




2




Are you sure that Notepad++ has been installed using setup.exe and was not just extracted from .zip archive which is a.k.a. "portable installation" ? You can associate file type only to the applications installed using setup.exe
– maoizm
Oct 25 at 13:04




Are you sure that Notepad++ has been installed using setup.exe and was not just extracted from .zip archive which is a.k.a. "portable installation" ? You can associate file type only to the applications installed using setup.exe
– maoizm
Oct 25 at 13:04












@maoizm I use portable versions of Notepad++ and I have no problems associating it as the default for .html, .css, .js, etc. filetypes
– InterLinked
Nov 1 at 20:08




@maoizm I use portable versions of Notepad++ and I have no problems associating it as the default for .html, .css, .js, etc. filetypes
– InterLinked
Nov 1 at 20:08




1




1




@InterLinked well, thanks, this is really helpful as I use a lot of portables and for sure last time I tried it didn't work
– maoizm
Nov 2 at 6:10




@InterLinked well, thanks, this is really helpful as I use a lot of portables and for sure last time I tried it didn't work
– maoizm
Nov 2 at 6:10












Possible duplicate of SSMS wont give up file associations
– Scott
Nov 11 at 17:46




Possible duplicate of SSMS wont give up file associations
– Scott
Nov 11 at 17:46










7 Answers
7






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
8
down vote



accepted










Follow the below steps




  1. Right click any .txt file and click



Open With > > Choose another app





  1. In the opened window click



More Apps




enter image description here




  1. Scroll to bottom and click



Look for anther app on this PC
enter image description here





  1. Navigate to install location of Notepad++. Default is



C:Program FilesNotepad++





  1. And select "Notepad++.exe"






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    Its strange that you can't do this through the settings panel. Seems like a mistake to me... Thanks for the info.
    – CiaranWelsh
    May 20 at 11:06






  • 7




    Just don't work, it changes back to notepad immediately.
    – Daniel Hári
    Oct 16 at 14:46










  • I had to install Notepad++ Fork from Windows 10 store: microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/notepad-fork/9plhc123mqwt to make all mentioned methods work:/
    – Daniel Hári
    Oct 16 at 14:59


















up vote
12
down vote













How can I make notepad++ default program for .txt files?




  1. Run Notepad++ as an Adminstrator



  2. Menu > Settings to open the "Preferences" dialog




    • Click "File Association"


    • Click "Notepad", then


    • Click ".txt". then


    • Click "->" to register notepad++ as the program to edit .txt files:


    • Click "Close"





enter image description here






share|improve this answer



















  • 4




    Doesn't work in Windows 10. Not sure why.
    – user477799
    May 20 at 10:50








  • 3




    @EUserNameError You have to run as Admin. Answer updated.
    – DavidPostill
    May 20 at 11:51






  • 2




    Tried that. Doing so even prompts the other non-admin users if they want to update their file association. But the very first time that non-admin user visits the Preferences dialog box, his/her choice gets null and void. And I really hate being called by each of the 133 computer users when they want their admin to update their file association, especially when it is to no avail. So a -1 for needing admin privileges.
    – user477799
    May 20 at 11:56








  • 1




    Unlike the chosen answer, this one actually works! I'm betting this got broken in a Windows 10 update, because I always used to open txt files with notepad++.
    – Luigi Plinge
    Nov 3 at 15:35






  • 1




    @pzkpfw - while true in general, something in a recent windows update appears to have broken the "normal" OS methods, for some users (including me). Hence this answer is a useful alternative.
    – ToolmakerSteve
    Nov 4 at 11:18


















up vote
6
down vote













With Windows 10 (Oct 2018) this worked for me:




  • Open Notepad++ as an administrator and then follow the steps posted by DavidPostill above


then




  • Go through the normal Windows process of right click "Open With >" > "Choose another app" and click the "Always use this app to open .txt file" box.






share|improve this answer





















  • this worked for me. Double clicking on the file in Windows Explorer works as well instead of "Open With".
    – fpiette
    Oct 29 at 8:49










  • only this worked for me (WINDOWS 10)
    – T.Todua
    Nov 23 at 12:24


















up vote
3
down vote













This took me a minute, but this should help.




  1. Find a .txt file

  2. Right click it

  3. Select "Open with..." --> "Choose another app"

  4. Scroll down and select "More Apps" on the popup

  5. Select "Look for another app on this PC..."

  6. Find and select notepad++.exe






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    1
    down vote













    If nothing of the above works, try using this:



    https://www.binaryfortress.com/NotepadReplacer/



    and then Right click on the file > Open With > Choose another app and select Notepad++






    share|improve this answer





















    • the original question is about generic built-in capability of Windows 10, namely association of file type with the default application. Using any custom application is an overkill, this rather should be fixed using Windows itself
      – maoizm
      Oct 25 at 13:01






    • 3




      @maoizm It's not overkill if you've tried all of the answers here and none of them solved the problem. NotepadReplacer fixed the issue for me in about 10 seconds. There's clearly something wrong in Windows 10 making it so that the normal methods for changing the .txt file association don't work.
      – JLRishe
      Oct 26 at 11:35












    • I would normally agree with @maoizm. But in MOST places where we should be able to select a file on our system, the option is MISSING. Instead, we are Only given the option to search Windows apps from the app store !?! (PS it does not have notepad++). Users should not need work arounds. Fortunately, there is 1 place the option still (sometimes) exists: right click on file -> open with. Sadly, Windows 10 has many errors. (I hate that I could not custom purchase this laptop with Windows 7 - I also regret not switching to Mac due to forced Win10.) It has many ameteur FAILS, like this one.
      – SherylHohman
      Nov 4 at 22:48




















    up vote
    1
    down vote













    For me, I could never get this setting to "stick" until I also opened Notepad++ with Admin rights and "registered" the file ending in the Settings. Only after that did the Open With menu settings stick. Windows 10.






    share|improve this answer





















    • It looks to me like you are describing the same steps as Edward's answer. Do you have some additional clarification to add?
      – ToolmakerSteve
      Nov 4 at 11:12










    • No you're right
      – reallyjoel
      Nov 8 at 15:29


















    up vote
    0
    down vote













    Okay, here is a work around:




    1. Create a dummy file with the extension you wish to default to your program. The file can be empty.

    2. Right click on the dummy file and select Properties.

    3. On the General tab there is a section that states:
      Type of file:
      Opens with and a button that says .
      Click Change.

    4. How do you want to open files from now on? Choose .

    5. Scroll to the bottom and select
      Go to C:Program Files (x86)Notepad++ and select and select

    6. Close Properties and your done!


    Credits to Kent Lasley from : https://notepad-plus-plus.org/community/topic/13051/set-notepad-as-default-app-in-windows-10






    share|improve this answer





















    • Not avail for me. In my current version of Windows 10, the dialog that pops up does NOT allow one to select any app that is not already in its list. The only option it gives is to download something from the app store! :(. So the only way to actually select any (unlisted) program that's installed on my computer is from right the right click menu on a .txt file and choosing Open With... Sadly, most menus in Window 10 Leave Out [#5 on your list] the option to select a file from my computer!! - Including, the Control Panel -> Default Programs!! Another Impressively ameteur FAIL of Windows 10.
      – SherylHohman
      Nov 4 at 22:35













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    7 Answers
    7






    active

    oldest

    votes








    7 Answers
    7






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    8
    down vote



    accepted










    Follow the below steps




    1. Right click any .txt file and click



    Open With > > Choose another app





    1. In the opened window click



    More Apps




    enter image description here




    1. Scroll to bottom and click



    Look for anther app on this PC
    enter image description here





    1. Navigate to install location of Notepad++. Default is



    C:Program FilesNotepad++





    1. And select "Notepad++.exe"






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      Its strange that you can't do this through the settings panel. Seems like a mistake to me... Thanks for the info.
      – CiaranWelsh
      May 20 at 11:06






    • 7




      Just don't work, it changes back to notepad immediately.
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:46










    • I had to install Notepad++ Fork from Windows 10 store: microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/notepad-fork/9plhc123mqwt to make all mentioned methods work:/
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:59















    up vote
    8
    down vote



    accepted










    Follow the below steps




    1. Right click any .txt file and click



    Open With > > Choose another app





    1. In the opened window click



    More Apps




    enter image description here




    1. Scroll to bottom and click



    Look for anther app on this PC
    enter image description here





    1. Navigate to install location of Notepad++. Default is



    C:Program FilesNotepad++





    1. And select "Notepad++.exe"






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      Its strange that you can't do this through the settings panel. Seems like a mistake to me... Thanks for the info.
      – CiaranWelsh
      May 20 at 11:06






    • 7




      Just don't work, it changes back to notepad immediately.
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:46










    • I had to install Notepad++ Fork from Windows 10 store: microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/notepad-fork/9plhc123mqwt to make all mentioned methods work:/
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:59













    up vote
    8
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    8
    down vote



    accepted






    Follow the below steps




    1. Right click any .txt file and click



    Open With > > Choose another app





    1. In the opened window click



    More Apps




    enter image description here




    1. Scroll to bottom and click



    Look for anther app on this PC
    enter image description here





    1. Navigate to install location of Notepad++. Default is



    C:Program FilesNotepad++





    1. And select "Notepad++.exe"






    share|improve this answer












    Follow the below steps




    1. Right click any .txt file and click



    Open With > > Choose another app





    1. In the opened window click



    More Apps




    enter image description here




    1. Scroll to bottom and click



    Look for anther app on this PC
    enter image description here





    1. Navigate to install location of Notepad++. Default is



    C:Program FilesNotepad++





    1. And select "Notepad++.exe"







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered May 20 at 10:42









    M Shajeeh Mustafa

    35139




    35139








    • 1




      Its strange that you can't do this through the settings panel. Seems like a mistake to me... Thanks for the info.
      – CiaranWelsh
      May 20 at 11:06






    • 7




      Just don't work, it changes back to notepad immediately.
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:46










    • I had to install Notepad++ Fork from Windows 10 store: microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/notepad-fork/9plhc123mqwt to make all mentioned methods work:/
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:59














    • 1




      Its strange that you can't do this through the settings panel. Seems like a mistake to me... Thanks for the info.
      – CiaranWelsh
      May 20 at 11:06






    • 7




      Just don't work, it changes back to notepad immediately.
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:46










    • I had to install Notepad++ Fork from Windows 10 store: microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/notepad-fork/9plhc123mqwt to make all mentioned methods work:/
      – Daniel Hári
      Oct 16 at 14:59








    1




    1




    Its strange that you can't do this through the settings panel. Seems like a mistake to me... Thanks for the info.
    – CiaranWelsh
    May 20 at 11:06




    Its strange that you can't do this through the settings panel. Seems like a mistake to me... Thanks for the info.
    – CiaranWelsh
    May 20 at 11:06




    7




    7




    Just don't work, it changes back to notepad immediately.
    – Daniel Hári
    Oct 16 at 14:46




    Just don't work, it changes back to notepad immediately.
    – Daniel Hári
    Oct 16 at 14:46












    I had to install Notepad++ Fork from Windows 10 store: microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/notepad-fork/9plhc123mqwt to make all mentioned methods work:/
    – Daniel Hári
    Oct 16 at 14:59




    I had to install Notepad++ Fork from Windows 10 store: microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/notepad-fork/9plhc123mqwt to make all mentioned methods work:/
    – Daniel Hári
    Oct 16 at 14:59












    up vote
    12
    down vote













    How can I make notepad++ default program for .txt files?




    1. Run Notepad++ as an Adminstrator



    2. Menu > Settings to open the "Preferences" dialog




      • Click "File Association"


      • Click "Notepad", then


      • Click ".txt". then


      • Click "->" to register notepad++ as the program to edit .txt files:


      • Click "Close"





    enter image description here






    share|improve this answer



















    • 4




      Doesn't work in Windows 10. Not sure why.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 10:50








    • 3




      @EUserNameError You have to run as Admin. Answer updated.
      – DavidPostill
      May 20 at 11:51






    • 2




      Tried that. Doing so even prompts the other non-admin users if they want to update their file association. But the very first time that non-admin user visits the Preferences dialog box, his/her choice gets null and void. And I really hate being called by each of the 133 computer users when they want their admin to update their file association, especially when it is to no avail. So a -1 for needing admin privileges.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 11:56








    • 1




      Unlike the chosen answer, this one actually works! I'm betting this got broken in a Windows 10 update, because I always used to open txt files with notepad++.
      – Luigi Plinge
      Nov 3 at 15:35






    • 1




      @pzkpfw - while true in general, something in a recent windows update appears to have broken the "normal" OS methods, for some users (including me). Hence this answer is a useful alternative.
      – ToolmakerSteve
      Nov 4 at 11:18















    up vote
    12
    down vote













    How can I make notepad++ default program for .txt files?




    1. Run Notepad++ as an Adminstrator



    2. Menu > Settings to open the "Preferences" dialog




      • Click "File Association"


      • Click "Notepad", then


      • Click ".txt". then


      • Click "->" to register notepad++ as the program to edit .txt files:


      • Click "Close"





    enter image description here






    share|improve this answer



















    • 4




      Doesn't work in Windows 10. Not sure why.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 10:50








    • 3




      @EUserNameError You have to run as Admin. Answer updated.
      – DavidPostill
      May 20 at 11:51






    • 2




      Tried that. Doing so even prompts the other non-admin users if they want to update their file association. But the very first time that non-admin user visits the Preferences dialog box, his/her choice gets null and void. And I really hate being called by each of the 133 computer users when they want their admin to update their file association, especially when it is to no avail. So a -1 for needing admin privileges.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 11:56








    • 1




      Unlike the chosen answer, this one actually works! I'm betting this got broken in a Windows 10 update, because I always used to open txt files with notepad++.
      – Luigi Plinge
      Nov 3 at 15:35






    • 1




      @pzkpfw - while true in general, something in a recent windows update appears to have broken the "normal" OS methods, for some users (including me). Hence this answer is a useful alternative.
      – ToolmakerSteve
      Nov 4 at 11:18













    up vote
    12
    down vote










    up vote
    12
    down vote









    How can I make notepad++ default program for .txt files?




    1. Run Notepad++ as an Adminstrator



    2. Menu > Settings to open the "Preferences" dialog




      • Click "File Association"


      • Click "Notepad", then


      • Click ".txt". then


      • Click "->" to register notepad++ as the program to edit .txt files:


      • Click "Close"





    enter image description here






    share|improve this answer














    How can I make notepad++ default program for .txt files?




    1. Run Notepad++ as an Adminstrator



    2. Menu > Settings to open the "Preferences" dialog




      • Click "File Association"


      • Click "Notepad", then


      • Click ".txt". then


      • Click "->" to register notepad++ as the program to edit .txt files:


      • Click "Close"





    enter image description here







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited May 20 at 11:51

























    answered May 20 at 10:36









    DavidPostill

    102k25218254




    102k25218254








    • 4




      Doesn't work in Windows 10. Not sure why.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 10:50








    • 3




      @EUserNameError You have to run as Admin. Answer updated.
      – DavidPostill
      May 20 at 11:51






    • 2




      Tried that. Doing so even prompts the other non-admin users if they want to update their file association. But the very first time that non-admin user visits the Preferences dialog box, his/her choice gets null and void. And I really hate being called by each of the 133 computer users when they want their admin to update their file association, especially when it is to no avail. So a -1 for needing admin privileges.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 11:56








    • 1




      Unlike the chosen answer, this one actually works! I'm betting this got broken in a Windows 10 update, because I always used to open txt files with notepad++.
      – Luigi Plinge
      Nov 3 at 15:35






    • 1




      @pzkpfw - while true in general, something in a recent windows update appears to have broken the "normal" OS methods, for some users (including me). Hence this answer is a useful alternative.
      – ToolmakerSteve
      Nov 4 at 11:18














    • 4




      Doesn't work in Windows 10. Not sure why.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 10:50








    • 3




      @EUserNameError You have to run as Admin. Answer updated.
      – DavidPostill
      May 20 at 11:51






    • 2




      Tried that. Doing so even prompts the other non-admin users if they want to update their file association. But the very first time that non-admin user visits the Preferences dialog box, his/her choice gets null and void. And I really hate being called by each of the 133 computer users when they want their admin to update their file association, especially when it is to no avail. So a -1 for needing admin privileges.
      – user477799
      May 20 at 11:56








    • 1




      Unlike the chosen answer, this one actually works! I'm betting this got broken in a Windows 10 update, because I always used to open txt files with notepad++.
      – Luigi Plinge
      Nov 3 at 15:35






    • 1




      @pzkpfw - while true in general, something in a recent windows update appears to have broken the "normal" OS methods, for some users (including me). Hence this answer is a useful alternative.
      – ToolmakerSteve
      Nov 4 at 11:18








    4




    4




    Doesn't work in Windows 10. Not sure why.
    – user477799
    May 20 at 10:50






    Doesn't work in Windows 10. Not sure why.
    – user477799
    May 20 at 10:50






    3




    3




    @EUserNameError You have to run as Admin. Answer updated.
    – DavidPostill
    May 20 at 11:51




    @EUserNameError You have to run as Admin. Answer updated.
    – DavidPostill
    May 20 at 11:51




    2




    2




    Tried that. Doing so even prompts the other non-admin users if they want to update their file association. But the very first time that non-admin user visits the Preferences dialog box, his/her choice gets null and void. And I really hate being called by each of the 133 computer users when they want their admin to update their file association, especially when it is to no avail. So a -1 for needing admin privileges.
    – user477799
    May 20 at 11:56






    Tried that. Doing so even prompts the other non-admin users if they want to update their file association. But the very first time that non-admin user visits the Preferences dialog box, his/her choice gets null and void. And I really hate being called by each of the 133 computer users when they want their admin to update their file association, especially when it is to no avail. So a -1 for needing admin privileges.
    – user477799
    May 20 at 11:56






    1




    1




    Unlike the chosen answer, this one actually works! I'm betting this got broken in a Windows 10 update, because I always used to open txt files with notepad++.
    – Luigi Plinge
    Nov 3 at 15:35




    Unlike the chosen answer, this one actually works! I'm betting this got broken in a Windows 10 update, because I always used to open txt files with notepad++.
    – Luigi Plinge
    Nov 3 at 15:35




    1




    1




    @pzkpfw - while true in general, something in a recent windows update appears to have broken the "normal" OS methods, for some users (including me). Hence this answer is a useful alternative.
    – ToolmakerSteve
    Nov 4 at 11:18




    @pzkpfw - while true in general, something in a recent windows update appears to have broken the "normal" OS methods, for some users (including me). Hence this answer is a useful alternative.
    – ToolmakerSteve
    Nov 4 at 11:18










    up vote
    6
    down vote













    With Windows 10 (Oct 2018) this worked for me:




    • Open Notepad++ as an administrator and then follow the steps posted by DavidPostill above


    then




    • Go through the normal Windows process of right click "Open With >" > "Choose another app" and click the "Always use this app to open .txt file" box.






    share|improve this answer





















    • this worked for me. Double clicking on the file in Windows Explorer works as well instead of "Open With".
      – fpiette
      Oct 29 at 8:49










    • only this worked for me (WINDOWS 10)
      – T.Todua
      Nov 23 at 12:24















    up vote
    6
    down vote













    With Windows 10 (Oct 2018) this worked for me:




    • Open Notepad++ as an administrator and then follow the steps posted by DavidPostill above


    then




    • Go through the normal Windows process of right click "Open With >" > "Choose another app" and click the "Always use this app to open .txt file" box.






    share|improve this answer





















    • this worked for me. Double clicking on the file in Windows Explorer works as well instead of "Open With".
      – fpiette
      Oct 29 at 8:49










    • only this worked for me (WINDOWS 10)
      – T.Todua
      Nov 23 at 12:24













    up vote
    6
    down vote










    up vote
    6
    down vote









    With Windows 10 (Oct 2018) this worked for me:




    • Open Notepad++ as an administrator and then follow the steps posted by DavidPostill above


    then




    • Go through the normal Windows process of right click "Open With >" > "Choose another app" and click the "Always use this app to open .txt file" box.






    share|improve this answer












    With Windows 10 (Oct 2018) this worked for me:




    • Open Notepad++ as an administrator and then follow the steps posted by DavidPostill above


    then




    • Go through the normal Windows process of right click "Open With >" > "Choose another app" and click the "Always use this app to open .txt file" box.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Oct 18 at 15:30









    Edward

    6111




    6111












    • this worked for me. Double clicking on the file in Windows Explorer works as well instead of "Open With".
      – fpiette
      Oct 29 at 8:49










    • only this worked for me (WINDOWS 10)
      – T.Todua
      Nov 23 at 12:24


















    • this worked for me. Double clicking on the file in Windows Explorer works as well instead of "Open With".
      – fpiette
      Oct 29 at 8:49










    • only this worked for me (WINDOWS 10)
      – T.Todua
      Nov 23 at 12:24
















    this worked for me. Double clicking on the file in Windows Explorer works as well instead of "Open With".
    – fpiette
    Oct 29 at 8:49




    this worked for me. Double clicking on the file in Windows Explorer works as well instead of "Open With".
    – fpiette
    Oct 29 at 8:49












    only this worked for me (WINDOWS 10)
    – T.Todua
    Nov 23 at 12:24




    only this worked for me (WINDOWS 10)
    – T.Todua
    Nov 23 at 12:24










    up vote
    3
    down vote













    This took me a minute, but this should help.




    1. Find a .txt file

    2. Right click it

    3. Select "Open with..." --> "Choose another app"

    4. Scroll down and select "More Apps" on the popup

    5. Select "Look for another app on this PC..."

    6. Find and select notepad++.exe






    share|improve this answer

























      up vote
      3
      down vote













      This took me a minute, but this should help.




      1. Find a .txt file

      2. Right click it

      3. Select "Open with..." --> "Choose another app"

      4. Scroll down and select "More Apps" on the popup

      5. Select "Look for another app on this PC..."

      6. Find and select notepad++.exe






      share|improve this answer























        up vote
        3
        down vote










        up vote
        3
        down vote









        This took me a minute, but this should help.




        1. Find a .txt file

        2. Right click it

        3. Select "Open with..." --> "Choose another app"

        4. Scroll down and select "More Apps" on the popup

        5. Select "Look for another app on this PC..."

        6. Find and select notepad++.exe






        share|improve this answer












        This took me a minute, but this should help.




        1. Find a .txt file

        2. Right click it

        3. Select "Open with..." --> "Choose another app"

        4. Scroll down and select "More Apps" on the popup

        5. Select "Look for another app on this PC..."

        6. Find and select notepad++.exe







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered May 20 at 10:34









        Mulli

        912




        912






















            up vote
            1
            down vote













            If nothing of the above works, try using this:



            https://www.binaryfortress.com/NotepadReplacer/



            and then Right click on the file > Open With > Choose another app and select Notepad++






            share|improve this answer





















            • the original question is about generic built-in capability of Windows 10, namely association of file type with the default application. Using any custom application is an overkill, this rather should be fixed using Windows itself
              – maoizm
              Oct 25 at 13:01






            • 3




              @maoizm It's not overkill if you've tried all of the answers here and none of them solved the problem. NotepadReplacer fixed the issue for me in about 10 seconds. There's clearly something wrong in Windows 10 making it so that the normal methods for changing the .txt file association don't work.
              – JLRishe
              Oct 26 at 11:35












            • I would normally agree with @maoizm. But in MOST places where we should be able to select a file on our system, the option is MISSING. Instead, we are Only given the option to search Windows apps from the app store !?! (PS it does not have notepad++). Users should not need work arounds. Fortunately, there is 1 place the option still (sometimes) exists: right click on file -> open with. Sadly, Windows 10 has many errors. (I hate that I could not custom purchase this laptop with Windows 7 - I also regret not switching to Mac due to forced Win10.) It has many ameteur FAILS, like this one.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:48

















            up vote
            1
            down vote













            If nothing of the above works, try using this:



            https://www.binaryfortress.com/NotepadReplacer/



            and then Right click on the file > Open With > Choose another app and select Notepad++






            share|improve this answer





















            • the original question is about generic built-in capability of Windows 10, namely association of file type with the default application. Using any custom application is an overkill, this rather should be fixed using Windows itself
              – maoizm
              Oct 25 at 13:01






            • 3




              @maoizm It's not overkill if you've tried all of the answers here and none of them solved the problem. NotepadReplacer fixed the issue for me in about 10 seconds. There's clearly something wrong in Windows 10 making it so that the normal methods for changing the .txt file association don't work.
              – JLRishe
              Oct 26 at 11:35












            • I would normally agree with @maoizm. But in MOST places where we should be able to select a file on our system, the option is MISSING. Instead, we are Only given the option to search Windows apps from the app store !?! (PS it does not have notepad++). Users should not need work arounds. Fortunately, there is 1 place the option still (sometimes) exists: right click on file -> open with. Sadly, Windows 10 has many errors. (I hate that I could not custom purchase this laptop with Windows 7 - I also regret not switching to Mac due to forced Win10.) It has many ameteur FAILS, like this one.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:48















            up vote
            1
            down vote










            up vote
            1
            down vote









            If nothing of the above works, try using this:



            https://www.binaryfortress.com/NotepadReplacer/



            and then Right click on the file > Open With > Choose another app and select Notepad++






            share|improve this answer












            If nothing of the above works, try using this:



            https://www.binaryfortress.com/NotepadReplacer/



            and then Right click on the file > Open With > Choose another app and select Notepad++







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Oct 25 at 9:36









            lsassa

            193




            193












            • the original question is about generic built-in capability of Windows 10, namely association of file type with the default application. Using any custom application is an overkill, this rather should be fixed using Windows itself
              – maoizm
              Oct 25 at 13:01






            • 3




              @maoizm It's not overkill if you've tried all of the answers here and none of them solved the problem. NotepadReplacer fixed the issue for me in about 10 seconds. There's clearly something wrong in Windows 10 making it so that the normal methods for changing the .txt file association don't work.
              – JLRishe
              Oct 26 at 11:35












            • I would normally agree with @maoizm. But in MOST places where we should be able to select a file on our system, the option is MISSING. Instead, we are Only given the option to search Windows apps from the app store !?! (PS it does not have notepad++). Users should not need work arounds. Fortunately, there is 1 place the option still (sometimes) exists: right click on file -> open with. Sadly, Windows 10 has many errors. (I hate that I could not custom purchase this laptop with Windows 7 - I also regret not switching to Mac due to forced Win10.) It has many ameteur FAILS, like this one.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:48




















            • the original question is about generic built-in capability of Windows 10, namely association of file type with the default application. Using any custom application is an overkill, this rather should be fixed using Windows itself
              – maoizm
              Oct 25 at 13:01






            • 3




              @maoizm It's not overkill if you've tried all of the answers here and none of them solved the problem. NotepadReplacer fixed the issue for me in about 10 seconds. There's clearly something wrong in Windows 10 making it so that the normal methods for changing the .txt file association don't work.
              – JLRishe
              Oct 26 at 11:35












            • I would normally agree with @maoizm. But in MOST places where we should be able to select a file on our system, the option is MISSING. Instead, we are Only given the option to search Windows apps from the app store !?! (PS it does not have notepad++). Users should not need work arounds. Fortunately, there is 1 place the option still (sometimes) exists: right click on file -> open with. Sadly, Windows 10 has many errors. (I hate that I could not custom purchase this laptop with Windows 7 - I also regret not switching to Mac due to forced Win10.) It has many ameteur FAILS, like this one.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:48


















            the original question is about generic built-in capability of Windows 10, namely association of file type with the default application. Using any custom application is an overkill, this rather should be fixed using Windows itself
            – maoizm
            Oct 25 at 13:01




            the original question is about generic built-in capability of Windows 10, namely association of file type with the default application. Using any custom application is an overkill, this rather should be fixed using Windows itself
            – maoizm
            Oct 25 at 13:01




            3




            3




            @maoizm It's not overkill if you've tried all of the answers here and none of them solved the problem. NotepadReplacer fixed the issue for me in about 10 seconds. There's clearly something wrong in Windows 10 making it so that the normal methods for changing the .txt file association don't work.
            – JLRishe
            Oct 26 at 11:35






            @maoizm It's not overkill if you've tried all of the answers here and none of them solved the problem. NotepadReplacer fixed the issue for me in about 10 seconds. There's clearly something wrong in Windows 10 making it so that the normal methods for changing the .txt file association don't work.
            – JLRishe
            Oct 26 at 11:35














            I would normally agree with @maoizm. But in MOST places where we should be able to select a file on our system, the option is MISSING. Instead, we are Only given the option to search Windows apps from the app store !?! (PS it does not have notepad++). Users should not need work arounds. Fortunately, there is 1 place the option still (sometimes) exists: right click on file -> open with. Sadly, Windows 10 has many errors. (I hate that I could not custom purchase this laptop with Windows 7 - I also regret not switching to Mac due to forced Win10.) It has many ameteur FAILS, like this one.
            – SherylHohman
            Nov 4 at 22:48






            I would normally agree with @maoizm. But in MOST places where we should be able to select a file on our system, the option is MISSING. Instead, we are Only given the option to search Windows apps from the app store !?! (PS it does not have notepad++). Users should not need work arounds. Fortunately, there is 1 place the option still (sometimes) exists: right click on file -> open with. Sadly, Windows 10 has many errors. (I hate that I could not custom purchase this laptop with Windows 7 - I also regret not switching to Mac due to forced Win10.) It has many ameteur FAILS, like this one.
            – SherylHohman
            Nov 4 at 22:48












            up vote
            1
            down vote













            For me, I could never get this setting to "stick" until I also opened Notepad++ with Admin rights and "registered" the file ending in the Settings. Only after that did the Open With menu settings stick. Windows 10.






            share|improve this answer





















            • It looks to me like you are describing the same steps as Edward's answer. Do you have some additional clarification to add?
              – ToolmakerSteve
              Nov 4 at 11:12










            • No you're right
              – reallyjoel
              Nov 8 at 15:29















            up vote
            1
            down vote













            For me, I could never get this setting to "stick" until I also opened Notepad++ with Admin rights and "registered" the file ending in the Settings. Only after that did the Open With menu settings stick. Windows 10.






            share|improve this answer





















            • It looks to me like you are describing the same steps as Edward's answer. Do you have some additional clarification to add?
              – ToolmakerSteve
              Nov 4 at 11:12










            • No you're right
              – reallyjoel
              Nov 8 at 15:29













            up vote
            1
            down vote










            up vote
            1
            down vote









            For me, I could never get this setting to "stick" until I also opened Notepad++ with Admin rights and "registered" the file ending in the Settings. Only after that did the Open With menu settings stick. Windows 10.






            share|improve this answer












            For me, I could never get this setting to "stick" until I also opened Notepad++ with Admin rights and "registered" the file ending in the Settings. Only after that did the Open With menu settings stick. Windows 10.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Nov 2 at 16:09









            reallyjoel

            211




            211












            • It looks to me like you are describing the same steps as Edward's answer. Do you have some additional clarification to add?
              – ToolmakerSteve
              Nov 4 at 11:12










            • No you're right
              – reallyjoel
              Nov 8 at 15:29


















            • It looks to me like you are describing the same steps as Edward's answer. Do you have some additional clarification to add?
              – ToolmakerSteve
              Nov 4 at 11:12










            • No you're right
              – reallyjoel
              Nov 8 at 15:29
















            It looks to me like you are describing the same steps as Edward's answer. Do you have some additional clarification to add?
            – ToolmakerSteve
            Nov 4 at 11:12




            It looks to me like you are describing the same steps as Edward's answer. Do you have some additional clarification to add?
            – ToolmakerSteve
            Nov 4 at 11:12












            No you're right
            – reallyjoel
            Nov 8 at 15:29




            No you're right
            – reallyjoel
            Nov 8 at 15:29










            up vote
            0
            down vote













            Okay, here is a work around:




            1. Create a dummy file with the extension you wish to default to your program. The file can be empty.

            2. Right click on the dummy file and select Properties.

            3. On the General tab there is a section that states:
              Type of file:
              Opens with and a button that says .
              Click Change.

            4. How do you want to open files from now on? Choose .

            5. Scroll to the bottom and select
              Go to C:Program Files (x86)Notepad++ and select and select

            6. Close Properties and your done!


            Credits to Kent Lasley from : https://notepad-plus-plus.org/community/topic/13051/set-notepad-as-default-app-in-windows-10






            share|improve this answer





















            • Not avail for me. In my current version of Windows 10, the dialog that pops up does NOT allow one to select any app that is not already in its list. The only option it gives is to download something from the app store! :(. So the only way to actually select any (unlisted) program that's installed on my computer is from right the right click menu on a .txt file and choosing Open With... Sadly, most menus in Window 10 Leave Out [#5 on your list] the option to select a file from my computer!! - Including, the Control Panel -> Default Programs!! Another Impressively ameteur FAIL of Windows 10.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:35

















            up vote
            0
            down vote













            Okay, here is a work around:




            1. Create a dummy file with the extension you wish to default to your program. The file can be empty.

            2. Right click on the dummy file and select Properties.

            3. On the General tab there is a section that states:
              Type of file:
              Opens with and a button that says .
              Click Change.

            4. How do you want to open files from now on? Choose .

            5. Scroll to the bottom and select
              Go to C:Program Files (x86)Notepad++ and select and select

            6. Close Properties and your done!


            Credits to Kent Lasley from : https://notepad-plus-plus.org/community/topic/13051/set-notepad-as-default-app-in-windows-10






            share|improve this answer





















            • Not avail for me. In my current version of Windows 10, the dialog that pops up does NOT allow one to select any app that is not already in its list. The only option it gives is to download something from the app store! :(. So the only way to actually select any (unlisted) program that's installed on my computer is from right the right click menu on a .txt file and choosing Open With... Sadly, most menus in Window 10 Leave Out [#5 on your list] the option to select a file from my computer!! - Including, the Control Panel -> Default Programs!! Another Impressively ameteur FAIL of Windows 10.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:35















            up vote
            0
            down vote










            up vote
            0
            down vote









            Okay, here is a work around:




            1. Create a dummy file with the extension you wish to default to your program. The file can be empty.

            2. Right click on the dummy file and select Properties.

            3. On the General tab there is a section that states:
              Type of file:
              Opens with and a button that says .
              Click Change.

            4. How do you want to open files from now on? Choose .

            5. Scroll to the bottom and select
              Go to C:Program Files (x86)Notepad++ and select and select

            6. Close Properties and your done!


            Credits to Kent Lasley from : https://notepad-plus-plus.org/community/topic/13051/set-notepad-as-default-app-in-windows-10






            share|improve this answer












            Okay, here is a work around:




            1. Create a dummy file with the extension you wish to default to your program. The file can be empty.

            2. Right click on the dummy file and select Properties.

            3. On the General tab there is a section that states:
              Type of file:
              Opens with and a button that says .
              Click Change.

            4. How do you want to open files from now on? Choose .

            5. Scroll to the bottom and select
              Go to C:Program Files (x86)Notepad++ and select and select

            6. Close Properties and your done!


            Credits to Kent Lasley from : https://notepad-plus-plus.org/community/topic/13051/set-notepad-as-default-app-in-windows-10







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Oct 18 at 8:35









            Animesh Chandra

            1




            1












            • Not avail for me. In my current version of Windows 10, the dialog that pops up does NOT allow one to select any app that is not already in its list. The only option it gives is to download something from the app store! :(. So the only way to actually select any (unlisted) program that's installed on my computer is from right the right click menu on a .txt file and choosing Open With... Sadly, most menus in Window 10 Leave Out [#5 on your list] the option to select a file from my computer!! - Including, the Control Panel -> Default Programs!! Another Impressively ameteur FAIL of Windows 10.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:35




















            • Not avail for me. In my current version of Windows 10, the dialog that pops up does NOT allow one to select any app that is not already in its list. The only option it gives is to download something from the app store! :(. So the only way to actually select any (unlisted) program that's installed on my computer is from right the right click menu on a .txt file and choosing Open With... Sadly, most menus in Window 10 Leave Out [#5 on your list] the option to select a file from my computer!! - Including, the Control Panel -> Default Programs!! Another Impressively ameteur FAIL of Windows 10.
              – SherylHohman
              Nov 4 at 22:35


















            Not avail for me. In my current version of Windows 10, the dialog that pops up does NOT allow one to select any app that is not already in its list. The only option it gives is to download something from the app store! :(. So the only way to actually select any (unlisted) program that's installed on my computer is from right the right click menu on a .txt file and choosing Open With... Sadly, most menus in Window 10 Leave Out [#5 on your list] the option to select a file from my computer!! - Including, the Control Panel -> Default Programs!! Another Impressively ameteur FAIL of Windows 10.
            – SherylHohman
            Nov 4 at 22:35






            Not avail for me. In my current version of Windows 10, the dialog that pops up does NOT allow one to select any app that is not already in its list. The only option it gives is to download something from the app store! :(. So the only way to actually select any (unlisted) program that's installed on my computer is from right the right click menu on a .txt file and choosing Open With... Sadly, most menus in Window 10 Leave Out [#5 on your list] the option to select a file from my computer!! - Including, the Control Panel -> Default Programs!! Another Impressively ameteur FAIL of Windows 10.
            – SherylHohman
            Nov 4 at 22:35




















             

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