What is Notepad++?

Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and source-code editor for Microsoft Windows. It is one of the most downloaded developer tools in the world — a tiny program that replaces the basic Windows Notepad with a full editing powerhouse.

The project was started in 2003 by developer Don Ho and is released under the GNU General Public License. The name comes from the C++ increment operator ++, a nod to its developer roots. Under the hood it uses the Scintilla editing component, which keeps it fast and light while supporting advanced editing features.

Why people download Notepad++

People reach for a Notepad++ download because it does so much in so little space. Whether you are writing code, editing config files, cleaning up data or inspecting a giant log, Notepad++ for Windows handles it without the weight of a full IDE. It opens instantly, sips memory, and never asks for a subscription.

• Free and open-source — no cost, no ads, source available on GitHub.
• Fast and lightweight — a few megabytes that launch in a blink.
• Highly extensible — hundreds of community plugins via the Plugins Admin.
• Trusted — used by developers, sysadmins, students and writers worldwide.

A quick history

First hosted on SourceForge, Notepad++ moved to its own infrastructure and later to GitHub, where development continues actively today. Over the years it has been downloaded hundreds of millions of times and won multiple community awards as a favourite Windows code editor. The latest release, version 8.9.6.4, arrived in June 2026 and continues the project's long run of frequent, focused updates.

Is this the official site?

No. This is an independent, informational site built to help people find and download Notepad++ quickly. Notepad++ itself is created by Don Ho and the open-source community. For the official project, downloads, source code and release notes, visit notepad-plus-plus.org and the GitHub repository. Every download button on this site sends you straight to those official sources.