notepad++ compare missing from tools menu

The Missing 'Compare' Option in Notepad++'s Tools Menu: A Quick Fix

If you're like many Notepad++ users, you've probably found yourself searching for the 'Compare' option in the software's tools menu only to discover that it's no longer there. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely heavily on this feature for your work or personal projects.

However, before we dive into the solution, it's essential to note that making changes to your Windows registry can have unintended consequences. Always create a backup of your registry before making any modifications, as a mistake can lead to system instability or even prevent your computer from booting up correctly.

Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this issue. Instead of searching for the missing 'Compare' option, you can re-create it by copying and pasting the following text into Notepad or Notepad++ and saving it as a .reg file:

'Your paste here'

Once you've saved the file, simply run it and restart your computer. Alternatively, you can also use Regedit to navigate to the Windows registry and look for the missing 'Compare' option.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the registry key was not what I expected. The Text Document option had mysteriously disappeared from the Windows Explorer menu shortly after associating Notepad++ with text files in the New context menu.

Notepad++ compare missing from tools menu