How to Change the Default Application for Opening Files in Windows
Managing default programs and file associations in Windows is crucial for ensuring that files open with the desired applications. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle this process across different versions of Windows.
Windows 10
Change Default Program for a Specific File Type:
Right-click on the file whose default program you want to change.
Select Open with > Choose another app.
If the desired application is listed, click on it. If not, click More apps to see more options.
If the application is still not listed, click Look for another app on this PC and navigate to the application’s executable file (.exe), then select it.
Set Default Programs Globally:
Press Start, type Default apps, and select Default apps settings.
Here you can set default apps for Email, Web browser, Music player, and more.
To set default programs by file type, scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.
Windows 8/8.1
Change Default Program for a Specific File Type:
Similar to Windows 10, right-click on the file and choose Open with > Choose default program.
Check the box Use this app for all .[file extension] files if you want this app to open all files of that type.
Set Default Programs Globally:
Access Default Programs from the Control Panel or press Windows + W to open the Settings search charm and search for Default Programs.
You can set default programs for specific file types or protocols.
Windows 7
Change Default Program for a Specific File Type:
Right-click on the file and choose Open with > Choose default program.
Check Always use the selected program to open this kind of file if you want this program to be the default for that file type.
Set Default Programs Globally:
Open Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs.
Here you can set your default programs by file type or choose your default programs.
Finding Default Programs List
To see all programs set as defaults:
In Windows 10: Start > Default apps.
In Windows 8/8.1: Search for Default Programs.
In Windows 7: Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs.
By following these steps, you can regain control over which applications open which file types by default on your Windows computer. This ensures a smoother and more personalized computing experience.
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