Microsoft Notepad vs. Notepad++: Which One Should You Actually Use?
It’s a fair point. Notepad++ is often considered superior because it has macros and advanced features. But as someone who loves simple things and free, open-source software, I decided to revisit both tools to see which one actually wins today.
The State of Microsoft Notepad
Microsoft Notepad has changed a lot recently. It finally has features many of us wanted, like Dark Mode and a more modern design. However, it’s not all good news.
Microsoft has started pushing AI features and Microsoft account requirements into the app. The worst part? Most of those AI features require a paid subscription, making them feel a bit useless for a tool that is supposed to be simple and free.
Pros of Microsoft Notepad:
- Built into Windows (no installation needed).
- Simple, modern interface.
- Good for basic text formatting and writing blog posts.
- Supports basic Markdown and links.
Testing Out Notepad++
If you want to try Notepad++, it's best to get it from the official website or GitHub. Since it's open-source, it’s always a good practice to scan the installer for viruses before running it—just to be safe!
One of the first things I looked for was Dark Mode. While it doesn't start in Dark Mode by default, you can easily change it in Settings > Preferences. Once that’s set, the app looks much better.
Pros of Notepad++:
- It is a full-fledged code editor, not just a text editor.
- It highlights syntax (colors the text) for HTML, XML, TSX, and more.
- It features line numbers and highlights the current line you are on.
- It is lightweight and great for quick code adjustments.
The Showdown: Writing vs. Coding
After testing both, the difference becomes very clear depending on what you are doing.
For Writing (Text Editing)
If you are writing a blog post or a simple list, Microsoft Notepad feels better. The layout is familiar, and it handles simple text formatting easily. It feels like a clean slate for your thoughts.
For Coding (File Editing)
If you need to open a .md (Markdown), .html, or .tsx file, Notepad++ is the clear winner. When you open code in Microsoft Notepad, everything looks "plain" and it’s hard to see what’s going on. Notepad++ uses colors and formatting to make the code much easier to read and edit.
The Final Verdict
So, which one should you use?
- Use Microsoft Notepad if you are not a developer. It’s perfect for simple notes, lists, and writing text without needing to install anything extra.
- Use Notepad++ if you are a developer or if you occasionally need to view and edit code files. It’s a powerful, lightweight tool that makes technical editing much faster.
In the end, both tools have their place. Let me know in the comments—are you team Notepad or team Notepad++?
I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.
Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.