Notepad++

Notepad++ is the text editor that's been a Windows staple for 20 years. Syntax highlighting for 80+ languages, macro recording, split-screen editing, and a plugin ecosystem. It launches instantly and handles large files without breaking a sweat. Built on Scintilla in pure C++, it's dramatically lighter than Electron-based editors while offering more features than you'd expect. Free, open-source, and beloved by developers and power users alike.