How to Change File Associations in Windows

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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File associations in Windows are a core feature that links specific file types to programs that can open them. When you double-click a file, Windows uses file associations to determine which program to use to open that file. For example, a .txt file might open in Notepad or another text editor, while a .jpg file might open in your default photo viewer. However, there may be times when you want to change the program that opens a particular file type. This article will walk you through the process of changing file associations on a Windows computer.

Understanding file associations

First, it's important to understand what "file association" means. Each file on your computer has a specific file extension, such as .docx for Word documents, .pdf for Portable Document Format files, or .mp3 for audio files. These extensions help Windows identify what type of file it's dealing with and which programs are able to open these files.

File associations are essentially a set of rules in Windows that determine which file extensions should be opened with which applications. These associations are created automatically when software is installed. They can also be set manually by the user if needed. Changing the default program associated with a particular file extension is what we call "changing file associations."

Why change file associations?

There are several reasons why you might want to change file associations:

• Preferences: You may prefer to use a different application than the default application chosen by Windows. For example, you may choose to open your photos with a different photo viewer or your music files with a different audio player.
• Uninstalled software: If you've uninstalled an application, there may still be file associations associated with that software, which can cause errors or problems when trying to open certain files.
• Functionality: Sometimes, alternative programs offer better features that you might want to use for certain file types.

Ways to change file associations

In Windows, there are several ways to change file associations. These methods may differ slightly depending on your version of Windows, such as Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11. Below are some commonly used methods to change file associations:

Method 1: Using the 'Open With' option

1. Right-click on the file whose association you want to change.
2. Select Open with. You'll see a list of programs that can open the file.
3. If you don't see the program you want, choose another app or click Choose default program.
4. A new window will open listing more applications, including the option for More Applications if your desired program doesn't appear initially.
5. Select the program you want to set as the default for this file type.
6. Before you click OK, make sure you've checked the Always use this app to open .[extension] files (e.g., .txt, .pdf) checkbox. This will ensure that your selected app becomes the default.
7. Click OK.

Method 2: From Windows Settings

Windows Settings provides a comprehensive way to change file associations for various file types.

1. Open the Start Menu and click on Settings.
2. Go to Apps and then select Default Apps from the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.
4. You'll see a detailed list of file types, as well as the programs currently associated with them.
5. Find the file extension you want to change the association for.
6. Click on the existing default app associated with that extension. A list of applications will appear allowing you to select a new default program.
7. Select the new program you want to associate with this file type.

Method 3: Using the Control Panel in earlier versions of Windows

If you're using Windows 7 or earlier, you can access the file association settings through the Control Panel.

1. Press the Start button and open the Control Panel.
2. Click Programs and then Default Programs.
3. Select Associate a file type or protocol with a program.
4. A new window will open listing the file types as well as their associated programs.
5. Scroll to find the file extension you want to change.
6. Click the file extension and then select Change program... to see a list of available applications.
7. Select the program you want and click OK.

Method 4: Using Windows File Explorer via the Ribbon Menu

1. Open Windows File Explorer.
2. Select the View tab in the ribbon menu at the top.
3. Make sure hidden items are unchecked initially to see only the essential files.
4. In File Explorer, right-click the file whose association you want to change.
5. Select Properties from the context menu.
6. In the Properties window, look under the General tab, and click the Change... button next to "Opens with".
7. Select a program from the list that appears or browse to select another program.
8. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.

Special cases and considerations

• File type not listed: If a file type is not listed in the "Choose default app by file type" options, it may be because there is no known program installed on your system capable of handling that file type. Installing the appropriate program should resolve this concern.
• Special software: Some file types may require special software to view or edit, and not all programs are suitable for handling certain file formats. For example, proprietary file formats of engineering or design software may not have many compatible applications outside of their native environment.

Practical example of changing file association

Consider a case where you have multiple photo editing and viewing applications installed on your Windows PC, such as Microsoft Photos, Paint, Adobe Photoshop, and IrfanView. By default, Microsoft Photos can open all .jpg files. Suppose you prefer to view your photos in IrfanView for its simplicity. To change the file association you need to follow these steps:

1. Right-click on any .jpg file.
2. Select Open with, and then choose Choose another app.
3. If IrfanView is listed in Apps, select it. If not, click More apps, scroll down, or use Look for another app on this PC to find it manually.
4. Check the box titled Always use this app to open .jpg files.
5. Click OK to confirm your selection.

With these steps, whenever you double-click on a .jpg file, it will open in IrfanView by default.

Troubleshooting issues with changing file associations

It is possible to encounter some problems when attempting to change file associations. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Administrator permissions: If you are unable to change the file association, make sure you have the necessary administrator permissions on the computer.
• Registry problems: In some cases, it may be necessary to make changes to the registry if previous attempts have not resolved file association issues. However, making changes to the Windows registry can be risky and should be done carefully or with professional assistance.
• Reinstall the problematic software: If a file type is not associated correctly, reinstalling the program that handles those files may reset the associations accordingly.
• Update Windows: Make sure your version of Windows is up to date, as software updates can sometimes fix underlying bugs that affect system functionalities such as file associations.

Advanced users: Editing the Windows Registry (Caution!)

Advanced users can edit the Windows Registry to change file associations manually, but this should only be done if absolutely necessary and with understanding the risks involved. Backup your registry before making any changes.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. This key contains file extensions and their registered applications.
3. Identify the file extension you want to change. The standard entries will display a detailed list of associated program classes and handlers.
4. Any broken associations can be manually corrected by adjusting or changing these entries to point to the correct application path.

The risk of modifying registry entries is very high, so only change them if you understand the implications and take care to have a recent backup.

Keeping everything organized

Review your file associations regularly to ensure they align with your software usage patterns. As software is installed or uninstalled, file associations can change. Keeping track of these associations will help maintain a seamless and efficient user experience.

In conclusion, file associations are a fundamental part of the Windows operating system, streamlining the way you open and use files. With the steps and methods outlined above, you can easily modify and customize file associations to suit your software preferences and workflow. Although file associations may seem simple initially, the ability to change them provides powerful customization to enhance your productivity and user experience on a Windows computer.

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