How To Run Notepad++ On a Mac in 2026

If you’re trying to run Notepad++ on a Mac, you’ve probably already discovered one key limitation: there’s no native macOS version of Notepad++.

The good news is you can still use Notepad++ on a Mac – including Apple Silicon models – using a few different methods. The easiest and most reliable is running Windows, but there are also alternative workarounds if you prefer not to install it.

Most users searching for Notepad++ on Mac are either looking for a way to run it or a similar alternative – this guide covers both.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• The easiest way to run Notepad++ on Mac
• Alternative methods (without installing Windows)
• Why Notepad++ isn’t available on macOS
• The best Mac alternatives

Can You Run Notepad++ on Mac?

Yes – but only by running Windows on your Mac.

Notepad++ is built specifically for Windows and depends on Microsoft’s Win32 API. This means it can’t run natively on macOS, and there’s no official Mac version available.

So if you want the real Notepad++ experience, you’ll need to choose one of the following:

• Run Windows in a virtual machine (easiest method)
• Use compatibility tools like Porting Kit or Wine (more advanced)
• Use Boot Camp (Intel Macs only)

Method	Difficulty	Works on M1/M2/M3
Virtual Machine	Easy	✅
Porting Kit	Medium	✅
Wine	Advanced	⚠️
Boot Camp	Medium	❌

Why Notepad++ Isn’t Available on Mac

Notepad++ was developed using Windows-specific frameworks that don’t exist on macOS.

Porting it to Mac would require:

• Rewriting large parts of the codebase
• Replacing Windows-only components
• Potentially breaking plugin compatibility

As a result, the developer has never released a macOS version, and there are currently no official plans to do so.

How to Run Notepad++ on Mac (Step-by-Step)

The easiest way to use Notepad++ on a Mac is by installing Windows using a virtual machine.

1. Use a Virtual Machine (Best Method)

A virtual machine lets you run Windows alongside macOS – no reboot required.

The best options are:

• Parallels Desktop (paid, easiest to use)
• VMware Fusion (free for personal use)

I ran Notepad++ on my Mac with Parallels as it’s the better of the two but it also works fine with VMware Fusion.

Steps:

1. Install Parallels Desktop

Download and install Parallels Desktop. It offers a 14-day free trial and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

2. Install Windows 11

Parallels will guide you through installing Windows 11 automatically. You don’t need a product key to use Windows for basic tasks.

3. Open Windows on Your Mac

Once installed, launch Windows directly inside macOS.

4. Download Notepad++

• Open a browser in Windows and download Notepad++ from the official website.
• Install it just like you would on a PC.
• You can now run Notepad++ seamlessly on your Mac.

If you want to see exactly how this works, here’s a demo of Notepad++ (and Notepad) running on a Mac:

2. Alternative Ways to Run Notepad++ on Mac (Without Windows)

If you don’t want to install Windows, there are a couple of unofficial methods. These can work—but they’re generally less reliable and may require troubleshooting.

1. Porting Kit (Best No-Windows Option)

Porting Kit is a free tool that lets you run some Windows apps on macOS by creating a compatibility “wrapper”.

Note: This is a third-party app called Porting Kit, not Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit for developers.”

How it works:

• Install Porting Kit
• Search for Notepad++
• Follow the setup instructions

Pros:

• No need to install Windows
• Easier than using Wine manually

Cons:

• May not support all Notepad++ features
• Plugin compatibility can be inconsistent
• Performance may vary

👉 Best for: users who want a simple, free workaround without installing Windows.

2. Wine (Advanced Users Only)

Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that allows Windows apps to run on macOS.

Basic process:

• Install Wine
• Configure it via Terminal
• Run the Notepad++ installer (.exe)

Pros:

• Free and flexible
• No full Windows install required

Cons:

• More complex setup
• Can be unstable, especially on Apple Silicon Macs
• Requires troubleshooting

👉 Best for: advanced users comfortable using Terminal and fixing compatibility issues.

3. Using Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only)

If you have an older Intel Mac, you can also use Boot Camp to install Windows:

• Boot Camp is built into macOS and allows you to dual-boot into Windows or macOS.
• Once Windows is installed, you can run Notepad and Notepad++ natively.
• Note: Boot Camp does not work on M-series Macs, so a virtual machine such as Parallels is your only option for Apple Silicon devices.

If you do still have an Intel Mac, you can find full instructions on how to install Windows 11 on a Mac.

What About Windows Notepad?

If you’re wondering about the basic Windows Notepad app – the same method above works for that too.

However, most Mac users don’t need it.

macOS already includes TextEdit, which offers similar functionality, making Windows Notepad largely unnecessary unless you specifically need it.

Best Notepad++ Alternatives for Mac

If you don’t want to install Windows, there are some excellent native alternatives to Notepad++ on Mac. Some of the best options are:

Unlike Notepad++, most of these apps are actively developed for macOS and support plugins and integrations.

• BBEdit – A powerful text editor for coders, free with advanced paid features.
• Visual Studio Code – Free, feature-rich, supports multiple languages and plugins.
• CotEditor – Lightweight and fast, native Mac app.

While these don’t replicate Windows Notepad or Notepad++ exactly, they are fully optimized for macOS and often include additional features for coding.

Should You Run Notepad++ on Mac?

It depends on your needs:

✅ Use Notepad++ via Windows if:

• You rely on specific plugins
• You’re used to its interface
• You need exact compatibility

✅ Use a Mac alternative if:

• You want better performance
• You don’t want to install Windows

Conclusion

If you specifically need Notepad++, running Windows on your Mac via a virtual machine remains the most reliable solution in 2026. However, for most users, switching to a native Mac alternative will be faster, simpler, and better integrated with macOS.

FAQ

Can I install Notepad++ directly on macOS?

No. There is no native macOS version of Notepad++.

What’s the easiest way to run Notepad++ on a Mac?

Using a virtual machine like Parallels Desktop is the simplest and most reliable method.

Does Notepad++ work on M-series Macs?

Yes. You can run it by installing Windows 11 via Parallels on Apple Silicon Macs.

Do I need to pay for Windows 11?

No. You can use Windows 11 without activation for basic use.

Is there a way to run Notepad++ on Mac without Windows?

Yes, using Porting Kit or Wine, but these methods are less reliable.

Are there good alternatives to Notepad++ on Mac?

Yes. Visual Studio Code, BBEdit, and CotEditor are among the best options.

Is running Notepad++ on Mac worth it?

Only if you specifically need it. Otherwise, native Mac apps are usually faster and more convenient.