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XML Tools Notepad++ — Manually Install (ZIP/DLL) + Folder Path Generator

Use this helper to generate clean, copyable steps to manually install the XML Tools plugin in Notepad++. It covers installer vs portable setups, the correct plugins\<PluginName>\ folder layout, and quick checks when the plugin doesn’t show up.

Category: Developer · URL: /tools/xml-tools-notepad-manually-install.html
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How to use

Fill in the fields (or paste key=value lines) and click Generate steps. You’ll get a concise, copyable checklist for a correct manual install.

  1. Close Notepad++ completely.
  2. Confirm your Notepad++ bitness (x64 vs x86) in ? → Debug Info….
  3. If you have a ZIP: extract it and locate XMLTools.dll (or similarly named DLL).
  4. Create/confirm the modern plugin layout: ...\plugins\XMLTools\XMLTools.dll.
  5. Restart Notepad++ and verify: Plugins menu should include XML Tools entries.
  6. If it doesn’t load: re-check bitness, folder structure, and whether Windows blocked the DLL.
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Secondary intents covered: Find the correct Notepad++ plugins directory for installer vs portable builds, Generate step-by-step manual install instructions from a ZIP or DLL, Check x86/x64 bitness compatibility between Notepad++ and the plugin, Troubleshoot when XML Tools doesn’t appear under the Plugins menu, Learn how to safely uninstall a manually installed Notepad++ plugin, Identify the Notepad++ install folder using Help > Debug Info, Handle common issues like blocked DLL files or missing plugin subfolder layout, Create a minimal checklist to verify installation after restart

FAQ

Where do I put XMLTools.dll for a manual install?

Use the modern layout: Notepad++\plugins\XMLTools\XMLTools.dll. Create the XMLTools subfolder if it doesn’t exist.

How do I find the Notepad++ install folder quickly?

Open Notepad++ and go to ? → Debug Info…, then use the “Binary path” value as your base folder.

Does XML Tools need to match 32-bit vs 64-bit Notepad++?

Yes. A 64-bit Notepad++ needs a 64-bit plugin DLL, and a 32-bit Notepad++ needs a 32-bit DLL, otherwise it may not load.

The plugin installed but doesn’t show in the Plugins menu—what’s the usual cause?

Most often it’s the wrong folder layout (missing plugins\XMLTools\) or a 32/64-bit mismatch; restart Notepad++ after fixing either.

How do I manually uninstall XML Tools?

Close Notepad++ and delete the folder Notepad++\plugins\XMLTools\, then start Notepad++ again.

Can Windows block the DLL after downloading?

Yes. Check the DLL file’s Properties for an “Unblock” option, apply it if present, then restart Notepad++.

Is manual install different for portable Notepad++?

The structure is the same, but the base folder is the portable app folder (where Notepad++.exe lives), not Program Files.