Windows 11: Change the Default App for Opening Files

Tags file Windows

Overview

Windows automatically assigns applications to open different file types, such as PDF documents, images, and spreadsheets. If a file opens in the wrong application, you can change its default app.

Option 1: Change the Default App for a File

  1. Locate the file you want to open.
  2. Right-click the file and select Open with > Choose another app.
  3. Select the application you want to use.
  4. Select Always to make it the default application for that file type.

Option 2: Change Default Apps in Windows Settings

  1. Select Start > Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.
  3. In the search box, enter the file extension (such as .pdf, .docx, or .jpg).
  4. Select the current default application.
  5. Choose the application you want to use and confirm your selection.

The selected application will now open files of that type by default.

Additional Resources

For more information, see Microsoft's official guide:

Change Default Apps in Windows

Need Additional Assistance?

If you cannot change a default application or the application you need is unavailable, submit an IT Support Request.

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