Share via

How to Change Default Programs in Registry

Anonymous
2020-04-04T09:09:42+00:00

Hi,

I'm trying to change the default program for opening .txt files to notepad++ in Windows 10.  When I go to the normal Default Programs in "Settings", there is no option for notepad++ and I can't find anything in the store.  So I figured that left me with the registry.

So I know enough to navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*.txt\ShellNew.  Listed is ItemName of Type REG_EXPAND_SZ and the Data column has @%SystemRoot%\system32\notepad.exe, -470.  Then there is another key named NullFile of Type REG_SZ with no data.

I'm assuming I would change the Data column for the ItemName key to @%SystemRoot%\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\Notepad.exe.  However, I have two questions:

1.  What is the -470 in the notepad data column and what would I have to put for notepad++?

2.  Would I have to change anything in the NullFile key?

Thanks,

Michael

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

6 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T21:26:59+00:00

    Well I also documented what I changed the keys from so if it goes downhill I know which keys ro go back to and change.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T18:57:50+00:00

    Actually by the grace of God I was actually to Google it enough that I found the proper keys to change.  Oddly enough, once I did that, the next time I opened a .txt file, both the program and the app were options for me to choose what I wanted to make the default.  So far, I've had no ill effects and I've been testing it quite a bit.

    And I know that I shouldn't be messing around with the registry but I have Acronis True Image and I just backed my PC up last night so worst case scenario I'd just have to reload that image to my pc.

    But thanks for everyone's help.  I appreciate it the quick and thoughtful replies.

    Thanks,

    Michael

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T15:27:04+00:00

    You need to follow Frederik's advice: "Instead of hacking the registry, you should use standard tools to make notepad++ your default .txt viewer." 

    If you don't like the Microsoft Store app - okay, that's fair. Download the full Notepad++ application from the developer's website, and once installed, you can follow Frederik's method to make it your default text editor.

    If, for whatever reason, that method doesn't work for you, right-click on any .txt file and select "Open with." Then choose Notepad++ and put a checkmark in the box that makes it the default.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T10:44:08+00:00

    The app has about half the functionality ae the actual program. I’ll quote from the description in the store: “...this version does not feature the plugin manager. This version is not supported through the official Notepad++ community.”

    This is exactly why I didnt want to go to Windows 10. This is an example of an app that is a pos compared with the actaul program. So yes...I’s prefer to hack the registry and use the real program instead of the app. Apps are for phones not pc’s. 

    if i can’t hack the registry I’ll just head back to Windows 7 or Linux. 

    Thanks,

    Michael

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2020-04-04T10:25:09+00:00

    Instead of hacking the registry, you should use standard tools to make notepad++ your default .txt viewer.

    1. Open the Control Panel.
    2. Select Default Programs
    3. Select .txt files
    4. Click Look for an app in the MS Store
    5. Search for "notepad++
    6. Click Notepad++

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments