How to remove Edit in Notepad from the File Explorer Context menu

If you installed a third party editor or tweaked your Windows setup, you may have noticed a new option in your right click menu called “Edit in Notepad.” It can be useful, but it can also clutter the context menu if you never use it. The good news is that removing it is simple once you know where to look.

Below are the two easiest ways to remove the entry: using the Registry Editor or using a small command script.

Method 1: Remove It Through the Registry Editor

Before you start, it is smart to create a restore point. Editing the registry is safe as long as you change only what you need, but it is always better to have a backup.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. In the Registry Editor, go to:
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
3. Look for a key related to Notepad. Common names include:
   • Notepad++
   • OpenWithNotepad
   • Edit in Notepad
   • Or any handler pointing to Notepad.exe
4. Right click the key and choose Delete.
5. Close the Registry Editor.
6. Restart File Explorer to apply the change:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
   • Find Windows Explorer
   • Right click it and choose Restart

Check your context menu. The entry should be gone.

Method 2: Remove It With a Command

If you prefer a quick one step fix, you can delete the handler using an elevated Command Prompt.

1. Press Start, type cmd, right click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Run the command below:
   reg delete "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\OpenWithNotepad" /f

If your handler uses a different name, replace OpenWithNotepad with the correct key name. After you run the command, restart File Explorer as shown above.

What If the Key Is Not There?

Some versions of Notepad register the option under a different location. If you do not see the key, check this path too:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\text\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers

Delete the Notepad related key if you find one.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning up your right click menu helps keep File Explorer simple and quick to use. Removing “Edit in Notepad” will not affect your ability to open files in Notepad. It only removes the extra shortcut from the menu.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!