Change file extension for Notepad ++

Ran multiple searches and hard to believe this hasn't been covered but ...

I need to find 'Change Program' in the list of file extensions under Default Programs>"Associate a file type or protocol".



Thank you.


P.S. Also if the site's search can't find Notepad ++ (with or without quotes) or 'default file type' I'm thinking something's not right in a database or something.

I think you'll need to use 'Open With' to be able to browse to Notepad ++

There seem to be various misleading threads on this. If Notepad is not written so as to register itself as capable of handling certain extensions, you won't be able to use Settings to associate it.

Further: see 'Update" here
How to Make Notepad++ As Default Text Editor on Windows 10
which may offer a way to add Notepad++ as capable of handling file types.

It will be listed as a program potentially capable of being assigned as default if it is correctly written to register itself as capable of handling any given extension. If not, it won't.

For example, free office programs such as Libre Office register themselves correctly.

Why not simply find a different program that does register itself as a potential default correctly?

As I said before, the only option you have realistically if you wish to associate it is to use Open With, Browse to the program's exe and remember to click the check box to always use that program at the bottom.
(Tutorial available if you need it).

Otherwise, I suggest you use a different program that is written so as to register itself to be capable of handling the extensions it can process.

Understand that programs which are not so written will not be listed by Windows as a potential default, as I have already said.

Examples:
https://www.slant.co/options/44/alte...d-alternatives
https://www.guru99.com/notepad-plus-...ternative.html
- checking they can be associated as defaults

For example, looking for a replacement for Notepad, I found EditPadLite, a tabbed editor. It is easy to associate this.

If you search this forum, Notepad++ had been discussed before.
File extension not in file association list
(Post #7)

There are many discussions on the internet, but older references to the Control Panel are now obsolete, alas.
How to Make Notepad++ As Default Text Editor on Windows 10
under
Update -
- this section may be of interest, but with due caution

Set Notepad++ as default app in Windows 10 | Notepad++ Community

This explains it well
windows 10 - How can I make Notepad++ default program for `.txt` files? - Super User

Is there a reason why you need Notepad++?

You associate any relevant program - including ones like Polyedit- which aren't written so as to be listed as potential defaults as I said- using Open With.

These screenshots show I succeeded:

Start:

Dummy.txt is not associated with Polyedit.



Rt click on Dummy.txt and use Open with- and check that box at the bottom- and then link to browse to Polyedit.exe and select it.

Result:


Oh look- the icon has changed to Polyedit's - and double clicking on dummy.txt opens it in Polyedit- can you see the file name in the tab?

I told you way back about using Open With... and that's in the tutorial about setting defaults. Didn't it work for you?