A few years ago, I found myself writing my first PHP projects using metapad. When I was looking
around for text editors with syntax highlighting, I have come across the Scintilla source code
editing component. I was very much impressed by this project, so I decided to create my own
Scintilla-based text editor.
The result is Notepad2, a fast and light-weight Notepad-like text editor with syntax highlighting.
This program can be run out of the box without installation, and does not touch your system's registry.
Publisher’s description
What is Notepad2?
Notepad2 is a free text editor program for Windows from Florian Balmer.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit and 32-bit as EXE. The main installer is 359 KB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 71,335 times. Similar programs include Notepad++, Atom and Neovim.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Documented silent install
- Small download (359 KB)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
- No update for more than a year
In short: Notepad2 is a free text editor tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. Updates have slowed down. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Notepad2 safe to download?
- The file is served by flos-freeware.ch, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
2C947CADE89BC53F0FD5B76C74ECA4A730F53CC0E1E3AF444B2701E066D4CA93· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 1 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2.25Latest | May 6, 2011 | 359 KB | 64-bit EXE32-bit EXE |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id flos-freeware.Notepad2 -echoco install notepad2 -yscoop install extras/notepad2Notepad2_4.2.25_x64.exe /SILENTRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Florian Balmer
- Category
- Text editors
- Licence
- Freeware
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- flos-freeware.ch
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE
- Version
- 4.2.25
- Released
- May 6, 2011
- Added to the catalogue
- July 8, 2024
- Versions listed
- 1
- Chocolatey downloads
- 71,335
- Website
- flos-freeware.ch
- winget ID
- flos-freeware.Notepad2
- Chocolatey package
- notepad2
- Scoop package
- extras/notepad2
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Notepad2 free?
Yes. Notepad2 is free to use.
Is Notepad2 safe to download?
The download comes from flos-freeware.ch, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Notepad2 with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Notepad2 be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Notepad2 run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
What are alternatives to Notepad2?
Notepad++, Atom, Neovim, Geany and WordPress.com. The alternatives page compares them.
