How to Install Notepad++ on Linux

Notepad++ is a lightweight, powerful text editor loved by many Windows users. While it’s not natively built for Linux, you can still run Notepad++ on most Linux distributions with just a few simple steps. Here’s how.

Why Notepad++ on Linux?

There are plenty of native Linux editors—VS Code, Sublime, Vim, Gedit—but if you want that Notepad++ experience on your Linux system, you have two main options:

• Wine: Run the Windows version of Notepad++ using Wine (a compatibility layer for Windows apps).
• Snap package: Install the Snap version, which wraps Notepad++ with Wine for you.

The Snap method is the fastest and easiest for most people.

Option 1: Install Notepad++ Using Snap

Snap packages work on Ubuntu and most modern Linux distros.
If Snap isn’t installed yet, check out How to Install Snap in Linux for a quick guide.

1. Open your terminal.

2. Enter this command:

sudo snap install notepad-plus-plus

3. Launch Notepad++:
You can find it in your app launcher, or type:

notepad-plus-plus

That’s it. You’re done.

Option 2: Install Notepad++ Using Wine (Manual Method)

If you don’t want to use Snap, you can install Notepad++ through Wine directly.

Step 1: Install Wine

On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wine

On Fedora:

sudo dnf install wine

Step 2: Download Notepad++ Installer

Head to the Notepad++ official download page and grab the latest Windows installer (e.g., .exe file).

Step 3: Run the Installer with Wine

Navigate to your downloads folder and run:

wine npp.8.x.x.Installer.exe

(Fill in the version number as needed.)

Follow the installer prompts—just like on Windows.

A Few Tips

• Fonts: If fonts look off, you can tweak Wine settings or try installing core fonts:
  sudo apt install ttf-mscorefonts-installer
• Alternatives: If you just need a good text/code editor, try VS Code or Sublime Text for native Linux support.

Wrapping Up

Notepad++ might be a Windows app, but it plays surprisingly well on Linux with a little help. For most users, the Snap package is the quickest route. Power users might prefer running it manually with Wine. Either way, you’ll be up and running in minutes.

Questions or issues? Drop a comment below and I’ll help out.

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!