It really works well with Windows.

For example, if windows update decides to reboot your machine your unsaved files will NOT be lost.

On Linux there are a few notepad++ workalikes. However for that particular feature I found the mousepad text editor to be the best.

I like it better than Sublime - it's much lighter. I write scripts in .Notepad++, as well as use it just like Notepad, which I don't like.

Notepad++ is extremely light, but has some basic code highlighting, refactor shortcuts, etc.

Came here to say this. NP++ is fast, simple, and works.

OP says they can’t deal with it but I don’t understand the reasoning. Possibly startup time but you only do that once per boot up? I don’t get it really.

N++ is not super fast to start, but I generally open it once and leave it on. And I guess you can reduce start time by disabling some stuff, just like any other editors.

If startup time is his main concern, then a copy of the ancient TextPad might better suit his needs.