How to force Notepad++ to save with file extension

A few versions back, Notepad++ introduced a new save dialog option that results in files not being assigned an extension by default. While I can see the value of having that option available, it’s not a feature I personally want to use.

It turns out that clearing a single checkbox restores the previous behavior of having a file extension. Here’s how:

  1. In Notepad++, on the Settings menu, click Preferences.
  2. Click Default Directory, uncheck the “Use new style save dialog (without file extension feature)” checkbox, and click Close.

Restart Notepad++, and you should be good to go.

Note that there was a bug when this feature was first introduced that would prevent your change from getting saved. To ensure you don’t run into that problem, make sure you’ve installed the latest version of the software.