Where Does Notepad++ Keep Backups and Sessions?
Where Notepad++ keeps unsaved file backups, session snapshots and config.xml on Windows.
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Notepad++ stores its working state in %APPDATA%\Notepad++: periodic backups of unsaved tabs in backup/, the open tab list in session.xml, and preferences in config.xml. The snapshot interval ticks in Preferences > Backup, defaulting to every few seconds.
Portable builds flip the layout: a local config.xml next to the exe redirects everything beside the program. Cloud config mode (a documented setting) points the same files at a synced folder instead. Check which mode is active before hunting AppData for files that live elsewhere.
Where Notepad++ stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Notepad++\backup
Paste %APPDATA%\Notepad++ into Explorer. backup/ holds unsaved tab snapshots, session.xml the tab list, config.xml preferences. Portable and cloud modes relocate the whole tree.
Frequently asked questions
Notepad++ crashed with unsaved tabs. How do I recover them?
Open %APPDATA%\Notepad++\backup and sort by date: unsaved tabs persist as timestamped files there. Copy them out before launching Notepad++, since a fresh start can rotate the very files you are trying to rescue.
How do I migrate Notepad++ settings to a new PC?
Copy config.xml, session.xml, shortcuts.xml and the backup folder to the new machine before first launch. Portable installs keep the same files next to the exe instead, so check for a local config.xml before assuming AppData.
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