How to change default app for file type on Windows?
Jul 23, 2025 am 03:31 AMTo modify the default application settings on Windows, there are four methods to do it. 1. Go to "Settings > Applications > Default Applications > Specify Default Applications by File Type", select the extension and change the corresponding program, which is suitable for most common file types; 2. Right-click on the specific file, select "Open Method", and check "Always Use This App" to quickly set the settings, and the default change is limited to this file type; 3. For browsers and other locked applications, you need to enter the "Default Applications By Protocol" or "Default Web Browser" option to modify; 4. Advanced users can use DISM tools or edit the registry to batch process the default application configuration, which is suitable for complex needs and requires careful operation. The above method covers the default application settings requirements from basic to advanced.
The settings of default apps on Windows can sometimes be a headache, especially if you want a file type (such as PDF or image) to be opened with a specific program. The default settings that come with the system may not meet your habits, but fortunately, it is not difficult to modify.

1. Change the default application through "Settings"
This is the most common and recommended method, suitable for most common file types:
- Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps
- Scroll down and find "Specify default app by file type"
- Find the file extension you want to change (such as
.pdf
,.jpg
, etc.), click it - Select the app you want to use to open this type of file in the pop-up list
The advantage of this method is that the interface is clear and suitable for ordinary users. But some less common file types may not be found here.

2. Right-click the menu to set it directly
If you already have a specific file, you can directly adjust it through the right-click menu:
- Right-click a file > "Open with" > "Select other apps"
- Select the app you want in the pop-up window and check "Always use this app to open .xxx file"
- Click "OK"
This method is more intuitive, especially suitable for temporary changes to open a program. But it should be noted that some third-party software may retake over the default settings after installation.

3. Handle locked default applications (such as browsers, emails, etc.)
Some default applications (such as browsers or email clients) cannot be modified directly through the above methods, and need to enter special settings:
- Settings > Apps > Default Apps
- Turn up a little and modify it in options such as "Default Application By Protocol" or "Default Web Browser"
This type of setting can usually only specify the complete application, and does not support setting different applications separately according to the URL protocol.
4. Use the command prompt or registry (advanced)
If the general settings don't work, or if you want to batch modify the default app, you can try importing the default app configuration:
- Use tools like
DISM
andDism
to export/import default application associations - Or manually edit the registry (it is recommended for experienced people)
This step is not necessary, but it is a powerful complement to advanced users.
Basically these are the methods. Although the default application settings logic of Windows is a bit scattered, it is actually not complicated as long as you know where to start.
The above is the detailed content of How to change default app for file type on Windows?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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