Notepad++ right-click to open file in a new window

Question

How can I configure Notepad++ to open a file in a new window when I right-click it and select Edit with Notepad++ ? I already know I have to launch the program with the -multiInst switch, I just don't know how to add that to the registry mapping for the right-click.

Answer 1

If you want to fix the right-click behavior of "Edit with Notepad++", first go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Notepad++ 

If the default value is:

{00F3C2EC-A6EE-11DE-A03A-EF8F55D89593}

then go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00F3C2EC-A6EE-11DE-A03A-EF8F55D89593}\Settings

Among the items should be Custom REG_SZ and nothing after it. Change the value to -nosession -multiInst.

It should now read Custom REG_SZ -nosession -multiInst. If you already have custom arguments defined, then just add a space and append -nosession -multiInst to the list.

References

• Context Menu - Notepad++ Wiki

• Multiple Instances - Notepad++ Wiki

• Extending Shortcut Menus (Windows)

• Shell.ShellExecute method (Windows)

• Default Programs (Windows)

Answer 2

I use a 2016 version of the NotePad++ installer. It natively includes Plugin Manager, context menu support and right click > Open of many files without any issues.

After installing, I go to Help > Update and the helpful settings remain in the upgrade.