How to Deploy Notepad++ to All Domain Computers Using Group Policy (Windows Server 2025)

🧾 Overview

This guide explains how to deploy Notepad++ to all domain computers using Group Policy in Windows Server 2025. The process uses an .msi installer and a shared network location.

📥 Step 1: Download Notepad++ MSI Installer

Download the Notepad++.msi file from the official website:

🔗 https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/

• Select the file named: Notepad++ - MSI installer
• After downloading, locate the file in the Downloads folder:

🔍 Verify File Type

• Right-click on NotePad++ 64x → Properties
• Confirm: Type of file: Windows Installer Package (.msi)

📁 Step 2: Prepare Shared Folder on Server

🖥️ Open AD Server

Assumption:

• Local Disk (C:) → Operating System
• Local Disk (D:) → Data Storage

📂 Create Folder Structure

1. Open D: drive
2. Create a new folder:

NotePadInstaller        

1. Copy the downloaded file (NotePad++ 64x) into this folder

🔗 Share the Folder

1. Right-click on NotePadInstaller → Properties
2. Go to Sharing tab → Advanced Sharing
3. Configure:

• ✅ Check: Share this folder
• Click Permissions
• Select: Everyone
• ✅ Allow: Read
• Click:

Apply → OK → Apply → OK         

📌 Copy Network Path

• Example network path:

\\adserver2025\NotePadInstaller  
        

• Click Close

⚙️ Step 3: Configure Group Policy

🛠️ Open Group Policy Management

1. Open Server Manager
2. Go to:

Tools → Group Policy Management          

1. Select your domain:

• Example: xitiztechservices.local

📁 Create a New GPO

1. Navigate to the OU:

• Example: Domain_Users

1. Right-click → Select:

Create a GPO in this domain, and link it here...          

1. Name the GPO:

Deploy NotePad++ MSI File         

1. Click OK

✏️ Edit the GPO

1. Right-click the GPO:

Deploy NotePad++ MSI File → Edit          

1. Navigate to:

Computer Configuration  
→ Policies  
→ Software Settings  
→ Software Installation          

📦 Add MSI Package

1. Right-click Software Installation → New → Package
2. Browse to the network path:

\\adserver2025\NotePadInstaller         

1. Select the .msi file → Click Open
2. Choose:

• 🔘 Assigned

1. Click OK

⏳ Deployment Processing

⚠️ Note: Wait until the package appears. This may take some time.

Once visible, details should include:

• Name: NotePad++
• Version: 8.8
• Deployment Status: Assigned
• Source: \\adserver2025\NotePadInstaller

🔄 Step 4: Update Group Policy

🖥️ On Server

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run:

gpupdate /force          

💻 On Client Computer

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run:

gpupdate /force          

1. When prompted:

• Type: Y to restart

🔁 Step 5: Client System Restart

• The computer will restart in approximately 1 minute

✅ Step 6: Verify Installation

After restart:

• Notepad++ should be installed automatically
• Desktop shortcut should be visible

🎉 Completion

You have successfully deployed Notepad++ to all domain computers using Group Policy.

Thank you 🙌

💬 If this helped you, feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments!