Visual Studio Code vs Notepad++: which should you use on Windows?
Visual Studio Code is a full code editor with extensions, debugging and Git built in. Notepad++ is a small, very fast text editor. Many developers use both.
Short answer
For writing and debugging real projects, use Visual Studio Code. For quick edits, large log files and a light editor that opens instantly, keep Notepad++ too.
Side by side
| Visual Studio Code | Notepad++ | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Microsoft | Don Ho |
| Licence | Free | Free |
| Latest version we list | 1.144.0 | 8.9.8.1 |
| Last updated | 1 Nov 2026 | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Download size | 95 MB | 5 MB |
| Windows versions | Windows 11, Windows 10 | Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 |
| Recommended for | Developers | Developers |
| Install with winget | Microsoft.VisualStudioCode | Notepad++.Notepad++ |
| Official site | code.visualstudio.com | notepad-plus-plus.org |
Choose Visual Studio Code if
- You work on projects with many files
- You want debugging, Git and language support in one place
- You want extensions for almost any language
Choose Notepad++ if
- You want an editor that opens instantly on any PC
- You often open large text or log files
- You only need syntax highlighting and search and replace
Strengths and weaknesses
Visual Studio Code
Pros
- Fast and extensible
- Great Git support
Cons
- Extensions can slow it down
Notepad++
Pros
- Very fast
- Tiny footprint
Cons
- Windows only