Edit Remote Linux VM Files with Notepad++ and NppFTP

In this tutorial we walk through using Notepad++ together with the NppFTP plugin to edit files on a remote Linux virtual machine via FTP.

1. Install Notepad++

Download and install the free, open‑source Notepad++ editor from its official website.

2. Install the NppFTP plugin

Open Notepad++ and go to Plugins → Plugin Manager → Show Plugin Manager. Locate NppFTP , check it, and click Install, confirming any prompts.

3. Show the NppFTP window

After installation, the NppFTP entry appears under the Plugins menu. Choose Plugins → NppFTP → Show NppFTP Window to display the panel on the side.

4. Verify the VM’s FTP service

Before adding the VM to NppFTP, ensure the FTP daemon is running. In the VM’s terminal run: service vsftpd status If the command returns no status output, the FTP service is not active.

5. Install and start vsftpd

If the service is missing, install it with:

sudo apt-get install vsftpd

6. Find the VM’s IP address

Run ifconfig on the VM and note the IP address shown.

7. Connect via NppFTP

In Notepad++, click the NppFTP gear icon and choose Profile Settings. Press Add New, fill in the host (the VM IP), username, password, and set the protocol to FTP. Save and close the dialog.

Finally, click the lightning‑bolt icon in the NppFTP panel, select the profile you just created, and you will be connected to the VM. Open any file on the remote system and edit it directly in Notepad++.