How to compare two files in Notepad++

Question

I want to compare values from two different files.
In Notepad++ version 5.0.3 we had shortcut button Alt+d but in version 6.6.8 I cannot find any option to compare.

Also let me know which version is most stable.

Answer 1

There is the "Compare" plugin. You can install it via Plugins > Plugin Manager.

Alternatively you can install a specialized file compare software like WinMerge.

Answer 2

Update:

• for Notepad++ 7.5 and above use Compare v2.0.0
• for Notepad++ 7.7 and above use Compare v2.0.0 for Notepad++ 7.7, if you need to install manually follow the description below, otherwise use "Plugin Admin".

I use Compare plugin 2 for notepad++ 7.5 and newer versions. Notepad++ 7.5 and newer versions does not have plugin manager. You have to download and install plugins manually. And YES it matters if you use 64bit or 32bit (86x).

So Keep in mind, if you use 64 bit version of Notepad++, you should also use 64 bit version of plugin, and the same valid for 32bit.

I wrote a guideline how to install it:

1. Start your Notepad++ as administrator mode.
2. Press F1 to find out if your Notepad++ is 64bit or 32bit (86x), hence you need to download the correct plugin version. Download Compare-plugin 2.
3. Unzip Compare-plugin in temporary folder.
4. Import plugin from the temporary folder.
5. The plugin should appear under Plugins menu.

Note:
It is also possible to drag and drop the plugin .dll file directly in plugin folder.
64bit: %programfiles%\Notepad++\plugins
32bit: %programfiles(x86)%\Notepad++\plugins

Update Thanks to @TylerH with this update: Notepad++ Now has "Plugin Admin" as a replacement for the old Plugin Manager. But this method (answer) is still valid for adding plugins manually for almost any Notepad++ plugins.

Disclaimer: the link of this guideline refer to my personal web site.