Notepad++ strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and power. I edit source code, compare files with plugins, and clean up text with regex replaces all in one tiny, fast app. It has never crashed under normal use and the constant free updates keep it sharp. Highly recommended.
Tiny footprint, powerful, regularly updated
Notepad++ launches instantly and opens enormous log files that crash heavier editors. Syntax highlighting across dozens of languages, the find-and-replace with regex, and the plugin support make it indispensable for my work. Lightweight, fast, and free; it's everything a text editor should be.
Fast, handles huge files, great plugins
Notepad++ has been on every Windows machine I own for as long as I can remember. It opens instantly, never bloats, and the column editing and macro features quietly save me time every single day. For a free, open-source tool the polish and reliability are outstanding.
Reliable, efficient, time-saving features
I use Notepad++ for everything from quick notes to editing config files, and its speed is unbeatable. The tabbed interface and session restore are great. My one small gripe is that the built-in dark themes don't apply consistently to every panel, so it looks a bit patchy.
Fast, great session handling
Inconsistent dark theme
Notepad++ froze and crashed while I was editing an unsaved file, and when I reopened it the backup recovery had nothing for me. I rely on it daily and usually it's solid, but losing work with no autosave fallback that day was infuriating. Please make crash recovery more reliable.
Crashed and lost unsaved work