Replace Notepad With Notepad Windows 11 Direct
Double-click the new Debugger string value. In the "Value data" field, paste the full path to Notepad++ wrapped in quotes, then add a space, and finally "%1" (to pass the file argument).
Paste this exactly:
"C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe" "%1"
Click OK.
✅ Done! Now every time a program or system action tries to open Notepad, Notepad++ will open instead.
With the notepad.exe key selected, right-click in the empty space on the right. Select New > String Value. Name it exactly: replace notepad with notepad windows 11
Debugger
While the IFEO method is safe, there are a few edge cases you must know:
Right-click on the Image File Execution Options folder. Select New > Key. Name the key exactly: Double-click the new Debugger string value
notepad.exe
Important: It must be exactly notepad.exe, not Notepad.exe (case doesn't matter, but the extension matters).