Situation: When Windows opens a .txt file it will only launch the 64-bit version of Notepad++. How does the user force Windows to open .txt files with the 32-bit Windows, when both the 32-bit and 64-bit Notepad++ are installed? The usual routes of Windows file association and using the Notepad++ Preferences settings have both failed.

Reason for wanting 32-bit: The user may prefer the older version, for light editing, for the time being. Because it supports useful plugins such as MultiClip Viewer and others.

Solution: Open the Windows Registry editor (Start: ‘Regedit’) and navigate down to…

HKEY_CURRENT_USER/software/classes/applications/notepad++.exe/shell/open/command

There replace the 64-bit file path with the 32-bit path. Which means, for me…

C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\notepad++.exe

… and then exit the Registry Editor.