Installing a Notepad++ Compare Plugin (64-bit)

Notepad++ is an incredibly powerful text editor that offers a wide range of features and plugins to enhance its functionality. One such plugin is the compare plugin, which allows users to compare two files or folders side-by-side. In this article, we will explore how to install the 64-bit version of the Compare plugin for Notepad++.

Firstly, it's essential to determine whether your Notepad++ installation is 32-bit (86x) or 64-bit. You can do this by pressing F1 and checking the information displayed on the screen. If you're running a 64-bit version, make sure to download the corresponding 64-bit plugin.

To install the Compare plugin manually, follow these steps:

1. Download the correct version of the plugin (32-bit or 64-bit) from the official website.

2. Extract the downloaded zip file to a temporary folder.

3. Start Notepad++ as an administrator by right-clicking on the icon and selecting 'Run as administrator.'

4. Navigate to the plugins directory, which is typically located at %programfiles(x86)%Notepad++plugins (for 32-bit) or %programfiles(x86)%Notepad++plugins (for 64-bit).

5. Drag and drop the extracted plugin folder into the plugins directory.

6. The plugin should now appear under the 'Plugins' menu in Notepad++.

Note that if you're using Notepad++ version 7.5 or newer, you won't have a plugin manager available. Instead, you'll need to install plugins manually. For Notepad++ version 7.5 and above, you can use Compare v2.0.0, while for version 7.7 and above, you'll need to use Compare v2.0.1.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more specialized file compare software, you can consider using WinMerge or other similar tools. However, the Compare plugin offers a convenient and easy-to-use interface within Notepad++ itself.

In conclusion, installing the 64-bit Compare plugin for Notepad++ is a straightforward process that requires some manual effort. By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of this powerful plugin and enhance your text editing experience with Notepad++.

Notepad++ compare plugin 64