Here we can see, “How To Replace Notepad with Another Text Editor in Windows”
Notepad may be a Windows staple that hasn’t changed in years. It’s fine as a basic text editor, but if you’d wish to replace it with something a touch more powerful, then read on.
Text editors are great. They’re fast and straightforward for easy things like taking quick notes, keeping a dated log or journal file, or editing the odd configuration or maybe HTML file. Programmers and developers use them together with their basic editing tools. Notepad has been the quality text editor included with Windows for several years. The matter is, as text editors go, Notepad is basic. Many alternatives add things like tabs, highlighted syntax, autocompletion, bookmarks, and customizable interfaces. And most of them are even as fast and straightforward to use as Notepad.
Sure, you’ll always install one and use it like all other apps. Still, we’re getting to show you ways to replace Notepad so that your preferred text editor becomes the default tool when you—or any app—opens text files or calls on Notepad from anywhere within the Windows interface.
Step 1: Choose a Replacement Text Editor
There are plenty of great Notepad replacements out there. Notepad2 and Metapad are both freeware favourites that employment with the technique we’re describing during this article. If you employ an editor professionally for development and don’t mind paying for extra features, you might also want to see Sublime Text ($70) and UltraEdit ($99.95). The simplest editor for you’ll depend upon what you would like a text editor to try to do, so we encourage you to undertake them out and see what strikes your fancy before deciding on a replacement. Once you choose a replacement, you’re able to advance with the remainder of those instructions.
We’re using Notepad2 as our example during this article. With its relatively minimalist interface, line numbers, and highlighted syntax, it’s long been a favourite around here.
Step 2: Make Sure the New Text Editor Will Work as a Replacement
During this article, the technique we’re using is to truly replace the “notepad.exe” enter the Windows system folders with a replica of the EXE file for our chosen replacement editor. For this reason, the text editor replacement you select will only work if its executable file can run outside its folder. This usually isn’t the case with apps you’ve got to put in, so it’s best to look for an app that you can download as a self-contained ZIP package instead. Portable apps are ideal candidates.
We’ve already tested both Metapad and Notepad2, and both will work. If you’re employing a different app, it’s easy enough to check whether it’ll work. Start by downloading the app you would like to check and installing it if it’s an installable app. Next, you’ll get to find the app’s folder. If it’s a mobile app, that’s just the folder you extracted. If it’s an installed app, you’ll find it in either your “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” folders.
When you’ve found the app’s folder, you should see only one file inside with an EXE extension.
The thought here is to urge the executable file somewhere by itself, without the opposite stuff in its folder. Copy that executable file by selecting it and pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard. Attend your desktop and paste the file, thereby hitting Ctrl+V. Now, double-click that copied file and sees if the text editor can run. If it does, you’re good to travel. If it doesn’t, then it won’t work with the techniques during this article.
NOTE: you’ll have noticed that one of the long-standing favourite text editors—Notepad++—isn’t on our list. While it wont to work with the techniques we’re discussing during this article, it’s gotten to be sophisticated enough an app that even the portable version can not run outside its folder.
Step 3: Back Up Notepad
Since we’re getting to be replacing the Notepad executable file, you’ll first want to back that file up. You likely won’t want to modify back to Notepad after getting won’t to a replacement, but you never know. Believe it or not, the “notepad.exe” file exists in multiple locations on your PC, and you’ll be replacing all of them. You’ll find the executables at the following locations:
- C:\Windows
- C:\Windows\System32
- C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (only on 64-bit versions of Windows)
Use File Explorer to navigate to all or any of these locations. In each location, make a replica of the Notepad file by selecting the file, pressing Ctrl+C to repeat it, then pressing Ctrl+V to stick a replica. And selecting the “Copy” command. you’ll likely be asked to supply administrative permission to write down the copy of the file to whatever system directory you’re in. plough ahead and click on “Continue.”
When you’re done, you’ll see the first and, therefore, the copy you made.
You can leave the name the way it’s or rename it whatever you wish. We usually accompany something like “Notepad – Original.exe.” When you’ve made a replica of Notepad altogether three locations, you’re able to advance to the subsequent step.
Step 4: Take Ownership of and Delete Notepad
After making copies of all of your “notepad.exe” files, the subsequent step is to delete them. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just hitting the Delete key. Albeit you’re logged on with an administrator account, you can’t just delete system files like Notepad. Fortunately, it’s still possible to require control of a file and delete it without resorting to nasty hacks like disabling UAC.
Note that you’ll get to perform the subsequent steps altogether at the locations that “notepad.exe” exists, so reminisce at that list in Step Two if you don’t have already got those windows open in File Manager.
Right-click the “notepad.exe” file and choose “Properties.”
In the Properties window, on the “Security” tab, click the “Advanced” button.
Note that the present owner of the file is listed as “TrustedInstaller.” You’re getting to take ownership of the file together with your account. Click the “Change” link.
In the “Select User or Group” window, within the “Enter the thing name to select” box, type your user account name, then click the “Check Names” button. If you typed a legitimate name, the name should change to point out the complete user name path with the PC name before it. You’ll then click the “OK” button.
Note: If you’re employing a Microsoft account (rather than an area account), your official user name is simply the primary 5 letters of the complete email address you want to found out the account. You’ve probably also noticed that those five letters were also wont to name your user folder.
Back within the “Advanced Security Settings” window, you’ll see that your user account is now listed because of the “notepad.exe” file owner. plough ahead and click on “OK.”
Back on the “Security” tab of the file’s Properties window, click the “Edit” button.
In the Permissions window, select the “Administrators” group, then click to put a check within the “Allow” column for the “Full control” permission. Note that this may automatically fill the opposite check marks within the “Allow” column altogether also. you’ll now click “OK.”
A security alert will crop up, warning you that you’re close to change permission settings on system folders. plow ahead and click on “Yes.”
You can click “OK” to shut the file’s Properties window.
Now, you ought to have all the permission you would like to delete the “notepad.exe” enter this location. Just select it, hit the Delete key, and click on Yes when you’re asked to supply administrative permission. When you’re done, “notepad.exe” should be gone, leaving you with just the backup copy you made earlier.
Go ahead and perform these steps altogether at the locations where you found the “notepad.exe” file. When you’re done, you’re able to advance to the subsequent step.
Step 5: Drop In Your Replacement Text Editor
And now comes the straightforward part. Now that you’ve protected then deleted the “notepad.exe” enter all its locations, you’re finally able to drop by the replacement executable file.
First, find the executable file for the replacement text editor. If it had been one you tested out, it’s going to be still sitting on your desktop. Otherwise, you’ll get to find it within the app’s folder. Copy that executable file by selecting it and pressing Ctrl+C.
Next, attend each location where you deleted the first “notepad.exe” file and paste the replacement by pressing Ctrl+V. you’ll likely need to provide administrator permission to stick the file, so plow ahead and click on “Continue.”
Right after you paste the copy, rename it to “notepad.exe.” You’ll likely get to provide administrator permission again for this step.
Don’t worry if the thumbnail changes to point out the old Notepad icon. Plow ahead and repeat these steps for all the locations where “notepad.exe” was originally located.
Once you’re done, you’ll test things out easily by hitting Start, typing “notepad,” and pressing Enter. Your new text editor should come up. And now, any time that Windows or another app names notepad, you’ll get your preferred replacement editor instead.
User Questions:
- Is Notepad++ equivalent to Notepad?
A notepad maybe a simple text editor tool that comes with windows by default. It’s one tool that every individual employs to write down or edit text files. … On the opposite hand, Notepad++ may be a free ASCII text file editor, which may be a replacement for the Notepad. It additionally supports more languages.
- What is a Notepad short answer?
The Microsoft Corporation created a notepad. Notepad may be a data processing program, which allows changing of text during a file. It’s a text editor, a really simple word processing system . … The program has options like changing the font, the font size, and font style.
- Is Microsoft Notepad free?
Notepad++ may be a free (as in “free speech” and also as in “free beer”) ASCII text file editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages. Running within the MS Windows environment, its use is governed by GPL License.
- Can you help me with the mass editing of text files?
Can you help me with mass editing of txt files ? from techsupport
- NotepadX may be a great UWP text editor replacement, and that I suggest you all try it.
NotepadX is a great UWP text editor replacement and I suggest you all try it. from Windows10
