How to Change Default Apps in Windows 10

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Windows 10 is a widely used operating system developed by Microsoft, which comes with many built-in applications to handle different types of files. Sometimes, users find themselves wanting to use different applications for certain file types or protocols. This process involves changing default apps. Default apps are the programs that Windows 10 automatically uses when you open a particular file type or link. For example, you may want to use a particular web browser, video player, or text editor as your default application. This detailed guide will help you understand how to change default apps in Windows 10.

Understanding default apps

Before changing default apps, it's important to understand what default apps are and why they're important. A default app is a program that Windows 10 automatically uses when you try to open a certain type of file or link. For example, if you usually handle PDFs using Adobe Reader, but the files open in Microsoft Edge, it means your default PDF reader is set to Edge.

Why change default apps?

There are several reasons why you might want to change your default apps:

• You will probably prefer to use the application you are more comfortable or familiar with.
• A particular app may offer more features or better performance than the default app set by Windows.
• Frequently using an app other than the default settings can make your workflow go much smoother.

Steps to change default apps in Windows 10

Now, let’s look at the step-by-step process of changing default apps in Windows 10. We will look at the process of changing default apps in general, setting app defaults by file type, and protocol.

Change default apps for common activities

The easiest way to change the default apps for common activities like web browsing, email, and video playing is through the system settings.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu and then click the Settings gear icon, or press Windows+I.
2. Access Apps settings: Once the Settings window opens, click Apps.
3. Choose default apps: In the Apps menu, choose Default apps from the left sidebar. Here, you'll see sections for Email, Maps, Music Player, Photo Viewer, Video Player, and Web Browser.
4. Select your favorite apps: Click the apps listed under each category to see the available options, then select the app you want to use as your new default.

For example, if you want to change the default web browser to Google Chrome, click the browser name in the Web Browser section, and select Google Chrome from the list that appears.

Set default apps by file type

Sometimes, you might want some file types to open with a specific application while others remain unchanged. You can set the default application based on the file type by following these steps:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu, then click the Settings gear icon, or press Windows+I.
2. Access Apps settings: In the Settings menu, click Apps.
3. Locate default apps: From the left sidebar, select Default apps.
4. Open default apps by file type: Scroll down and click the link called Choose default apps by file type.
5. Find and set your file type: You will see a detailed list arranged alphabetically. Find the file type you want to change and click on the application associated with it. A list of compatible apps will appear; choose your preferred application.

For example, if you want .jpg files to open with Adobe Photoshop instead of the default Photos app, locate the .jpg file type and select Adobe Photoshop.

Setting default apps by protocol

Windows 10 also allows you to set default applications by Internet Protocol. Protocols are rules that govern data communication over a network.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu and then click the Settings gear icon, or press Windows+I.
2. Access Apps settings: Once in the Settings menu, click Apps.
3. Locate default apps: Select Default apps from the sidebar on the left.
4. Open Set defaults by protocol: Scroll down to Choose default apps by protocol and click.
5. Change protocol app: The protocol list displays. Scroll through the list to find the protocol you want to change the app for. Click the current default app to select a new app from the pop-up list.

For example, to set a specific app to handle web URLs (HTTP and HTTPS protocols), locate these protocols and then select the application you want.

Setting defaults using specific app settings

Many apps offer the option to set themselves as the default app for a particular file type or protocol at installation time. You can also change these settings from within the app. Here's a common way:

1. Open the application: Launch the specific application you want to set as default.
2. Go to Settings or Preferences: Look for a menu option called Settings or Preferences. This is usually located under the File or Edit menu, or represented by a gear icon.
3. Find the Default app option: Under Settings, look for an option called Default apps or file associations.
4. Change file associations: Select the file types or protocols you want the application to handle by default.

Note that the exact steps and options may vary from app to app. If you don't know how to set defaults using a specific app, always make sure to check the official support guide or support forum.

Troubleshooting common problems

There may be instances when you are unable to change the default app or when the changes are not saved. Here, we provide solutions to some common problems:

Default app settings aren't being saved

If you find that changes made to default app settings are not being saved, try the following:

• Restart your computer to make sure the changes to the settings are applied correctly.
• Make sure Windows is updated to the latest version by checking under Update & Security in the Settings menu.
• If the problem persists, consider resetting the default apps to Microsoft's recommended defaults by scrolling to the bottom of the Default apps menu and selecting Reset.

The application is not listed as an option

If your favorite app doesn’t appear as an option for the default app:

• Make sure the application is properly installed on your computer. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app may also help.
• Contact the app developers to see if their software has any limitations or known issues regarding being set as a default app on Windows 10.

Undoing unwanted changes

If you accidentally set an unwanted default app:

• Repeat the steps to change the default application to select the correct application.
• Go to the Default Apps menu and use the Reset option to restore the defaults recommended by Microsoft.

Conclusion

Understanding and changing default apps in Windows 10 is a straightforward process, once you are familiar with the steps and available options. Whether you are changing the web browser, media player, or a specific file association, Windows offers a great deal of flexibility to personalize the software experience according to individual preferences. Given the multiplicity of applications integrated into our daily routines, knowing how to manage these efficiently will not only enhance productivity but also comfort in one's favorite digital environment. Remember, at any time, if you need help in any situation, Microsoft's support resources are a valuable ally. As applications continue to evolve with updates and new releases, so do their settings and related system integrations. Thus, staying aware of updates within both applications and the operating system helps maintain a seamless computing experience.

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