How to remove shell integration of Notepad++?

Question

I want to remove Notepad++'s annoying shell integration when right-clicking a file in Windows.

How do I do that?

Answer 1

If you are weary of editing the registry you can try ShellExView which is a free application that allows editing of Shell Extensions.

Shell Extensions are in-process COM objects which extends the abilities of Windows operating system. Most shell extensions are automatically installed by the operating system, but there are also many other applications that install additional shell extension components. For example: If you install WinZip on your computer, you'll see a special WinZip menu when you right-click on a Zip file. This menu is created by adding a shell extension to the system. The ShellExView utility displays the details of shell extensions installed on your computer, and allows you to easily disable and enable each shell extension.

Answer 2

Here's the non-registry, non-download way to uninstall the Notepad++ shell extension. Using the Command Prompt as an admin, run the following:

1. cd "\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++"¹
2. regsvr32 /u NppShell_06.dll²

To make this change active, you may need to restart explorer.

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You can also reinstall the extension and get customization options:

regsvr32 /i NppShell_06.dll

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^{1: If you use 32-bit Windows or installed Notepad++ in a different folder, the path may be different.}

^{2: NppShell_06.dll is the correct filename for the most recent version of Notepad++ (6.6.9). If NppShell_06.dll is not found, you may have a different version.}

source

Answer 3

Open the registry editor (Start->Run) and type in "regedit".

Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers

You will see the key "Notepad++". Simply delete it.