To fix a file opening with the wrong program in Windows, go to Settings → Apps → Default apps and click "Choose default apps by file type" to change the app for a specific extension. 2. For bulk changes, use "Set defaults by app" to assign one program to handle multiple file types. 3. Alternatively, right-click the file, select "Open with," choose another app, and check "Always use this app" for a quick fix. 4. If the desired app doesn’t appear, ensure it’s installed and browse manually via "Look for another app on this PC." 5. If changes don’t stick, reassign them as some apps reset on update, or reset all to Windows defaults using the "Reset" option in Default apps.
If a file opens with the wrong program in Windows, changing the file association fixes that. It’s a straightforward process, and you can do it in a few different ways depending on your needs.

Change the default app for a file type
This method lets you set which program opens specific file extensions (like .jpg, .pdf, or .txt).
- Open Settings → Go to Apps → Default apps.
- Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.
- You’ll see a list of file extensions (like .mp3, .pdf, .jpg) and the apps currently associated with them.
- Click on the app next to the file extension you want to change.
- From the list that appears, select the program you’d prefer to use.
Tip: If your preferred app isn’t listed, make sure it’s installed first. Some apps don’t register themselves automatically with Windows.
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Set defaults by app (change all at once)
If you want to assign one app to handle multiple file types—like making VLC open all video files:
- In Settings → Apps → Default apps, scroll to the bottom and click Set defaults by app.
- Find the app you want (e.g., Firefox, Adobe Reader, VLC).
- Click on it, then click Set this program as default.
- Or, click Choose defaults for this program to pick specific file types manually.
This is useful after installing a new program and wanting it to take over related file types.

Change association directly from a file (quick method)
You can also change it right from the file itself:
- Right-click the file → Open with → Choose another app.
- Pick the app you want from the list.
- Check the box that says Always use this app to open .[ext] files.
- Click OK.
Note: If the app you want isn’t listed, click More apps → Look for another app on this PC and browse to the executable (.exe) file.
Troubleshooting tips
- "More apps" doesn’t show the program you want? Make sure the app is installed and supports that file type.
- Changes don’t stick? Some apps (like Chrome or Steam) reset associations on update. You may need to re-assign them.
- Reset to Windows defaults? In Default apps, scroll down and click Reset to restore all defaults.
Basically, Windows gives you several ways to control what opens your files—whether one at a time or in bulk. Just go to Default apps in Settings, and you’re in control.
The above is the detailed content of How to change file associations in Windows. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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