Notepad and Notepad++ are different apps
Windows Notepad and Notepad++ are separate applications. The steps below use Notepad++ with the ComparePlus plugin. They do not describe a built-in comparison feature in Windows Notepad. For a quick check without installing a plugin, compare text files in your browser.
Install ComparePlus
- In Notepad++, open Plugins → Plugins Admin.
- Find ComparePlus, select it and choose Install.
- Follow the prompts and restart Notepad++ if asked.
If Plugins Admin is unavailable in your installation, consult the official ComparePlus installation instructions for a compatible package. Your workplace may restrict plugin installation.
Select the two versions
- Open both files in Notepad++.
- Activate the original file and select Plugins → ComparePlus → Set as First to Compare.
- Activate the updated file and choose Plugins → ComparePlus → Compare.
- Review the highlighted differences and use the plugin’s comparison navigation controls.
The plugin’s settings control how the first and second files map to old/new roles and sides. Check those settings before interpreting colors. Menu names and available actions may vary with the installed version.
Check the comparison options
Decide whether whitespace and case differences matter before changing ignore options. Save a backup before editing or merging source files. If you only need a read-only comparison report, the online text compare tool can export one without modifying either file.