How to Install Notepad++ on Ubuntu (22.04, 24.04, and 25.04 ) – Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on 1 month by Sachin G

If you’ve been coding or writing scripts for a while, chances are you’ve heard of Notepad++. It’s lightweight, powerful, and one of the most beloved code editors in the developer community. But here’s the catch: Notepad++ was originally built for Windows.

I discovered different ways to run it on Linux, including Ubuntu 22.04, 24.04, and 25.04. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through a complete step-by-step Notepad++ installation guide on Ubuntu, using multiple methods so you can pick what works best for you.

Notepad++ is a widely used editor, mainly on Windows. However, with the help of a compatibility layer called Wine, you can also use it on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. Installing Notepad++ on desktop distributions like Ubuntu is straightforward. You can use the Ubuntu Software Center or the snap package manager system.

Why Use Notepad++ on Ubuntu?

Here are some features of Notepad++ :

• Syntax Highlighting: Notepad++ helps you understand and read code better by highlighting syntax in various programming languages.
• Multi-View and Multi-Document Interface: You can work on many files at the same time with tabs, making it easy to multitask and switch between documents.
• Auto-Completion: Save time and reduce errors while coding with Notepad++’s auto-completion for words and functions.
• Search and Replace with Regular Expressions: Notepad++ has a powerful search and replace feature that supports regular expressions, making complex text editing a breeze.
• Customizable GUI: Tailor the look of Notepad++ to your liking. You can customize the Graphical User Interface (GUI) with themes, fonts, and toolbar configurations.
• Code Folding: Code folding lets you collapse and expand code sections, making your code well-organized and readable.
• Split Screen Editing: You can split the editing window horizontally or vertically, allowing you to compare or edit code side by side.
• Line Operations: Notepad++ supports various line operations, like sorting lines, removing duplicates, and converting line endings, making text editing more efficient.

Using Notepad++ on Ubuntu is made simpler with Wine, making it a versatile option for users who prefer its features for coding and general text editing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Notepad++ on Ubuntu:

Method 1: Install Notepad++ on Ubuntu Using Wine (Recommended)

Since Notepad++ is a Windows app, the most common way to run it on Ubuntu is through Wine, which lets you run Windows applications on Linux.

Step 1: Update Your Ubuntu System

Before installation, update your system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install WineHQ

To install WineHQ (the official Wine package):

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo mkdir -pm755 /etc/apt/keyrings
sudo wget -O /etc/apt/keyrings/winehq-archive.key https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key
sudo wget -NP /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/dists/$(lsb_release -cs)/winehq-$(lsb_release -cs).sources
sudo apt update
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable -y

Check version:

wine --version

Step 3: Download and Install Notepad++

Download the latest Notepad++ installer from the official website.

Run the installer with Wine:

wine ~/Downloads/npp.*.Installer.exe

Follow the Windows-style installation wizard.

After installation, you can launch Notepad++ using:

wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Notepad++/notepad++.exe

Method 2: Graphical Installation Method

Step 1: Launch Ubuntu Software Center

Start by launching the Ubuntu Software Center. You can click on the Left Hand Side Activities Button or find it in the application launcher by keyboard shortcut Super + A and searching for ” Ubuntu Software ” Open it.

Step 2: Search for Notepad++

Once the Ubuntu Software Center is open, use the search bar in the top right corner. Type “notepad++” and press Enter. The application will show on display.

Step 3: Open and Click on Install  Skype

Select or click on the logo to access the application page details. Here you will able to see an “Install” button. Click on it to begin to start the installation process.

Step 4: Authenticate

During the installation, you will be prompted to enter your password for administrative privileges. This step is necessary to ensure the security of the installation process. Enter your password and click “Authenticate.” After authentication, the software center will download and install it, and the progress will reflect the installation status.

Method 3: Install Notepad++ on Ubuntu via Snap Package

Navigate to the Terminal

Launch the Terminal on your Ubuntu system. To begin, you can open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or, alternatively, by searching for “Terminal” in your application launcher. After that, update your package index list using the following command.

# sudo apt update 

Enter your password when prompted

Install Notepad++

With Snapd in place, you’re ready to install. Execute the following command to download and install the Skype snap package:

sudo snap install notepad-plus-plus 

Notepad++ installation on Ubuntu is complete, move to further step number 5.

Step 5: Launch Notepad++

Now it is successfully installed, you can open it directly from the application launcher or  Ubuntu Software Center. Click on the logo to open the application.

Troubleshooting Notepad++ Installation on Ubuntu

• Issue: Wine not working properly

Run:

sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt --fix-broken install

• Issue: Notepad++ crashing on startup

Try running with Snap or Flatpak instead.

• Issue: Fonts look blurry

Install additional Windows fonts using:

sudo apt install ttf-mscorefonts-installer

Notepad++ installation on Ubuntu is not as difficult as it seems.Whether you’re on Ubuntu 22.04, 24.04, or preparing for 25.04, you still have multiple methods available—Wine, Snap, Flatpak, or PlayOnLinux. In fact, each option comes with its pros and cons; however, all of them will get the job done effectively.

FAQs

Sachin G

I’m Sachin Gupta — a freelance IT support specialist and founder of techtransit.org. I’m certified in Linux, Ansible, OpenShift (Red Hat), cPanel, and ITIL, with over 15 years of hands-on experience. I create beginner-friendly Linux tutorials, help with Ansible automation, and offer IT support on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour. Follow Tech Transit for practical tips, hosting guides, and real-world Linux expertise!

www.techtransit.org