How To Set A Default App In Windows 10

If you lot're new to Windows 10, you lot'll observe some files open in apps that you're not familiar with yet. But the cool thing is you tin change them.

Windows seven users who skipped Windows 8.1 and are now on Windows 10 might non be happy with specific files opening in Windows 10 apps by default. Or, even if you accept been using Windows 10 for a while, you might want to change default apps. No worries, you tin can have files open in whatever app you want if that is where you're at.

Change Windows 10 Default Apps

Note: You might also want to bank check out how to modify default apps on Windows 11.

While you might find the Photos app in Windows x intuitive, for case, y'all might want your pics opening in something else. Or, peradventure you lot want your music and video files to open in VLC instead of what Windows sets as the default.

To change the default program for files, open Settings from the Starting time carte or by hitting Windows Key + I on your keyboard. Then click Apps from the dwelling house screen of the Settings app.

And so click on Default apps on the list on the left. Then on the right, you will detect the most common items yous can change the default app for. Click on the app and cull another installed app you have on your system from the list. For example, I am switching my music role player from Groove Music (the Microsoft default) to VLC.

Windows might pop upward a message telling you how bully its app is and why you should stick with it. If you go this bulletin, click on the "Switch anyway" link.

Change Apps by File Type

Another option you have is drilling down each file type. This is for items non listed at the meridian of the "Default apps" page. Scroll down a bit and click the "Cull default apps by file type" link.

Then you volition get a massive list of file types and the apps that are associated with them. Become through the list and modify each file blazon to what y'all want to open in a specific app. For instance, in the shot below, I am changing WMA files to open in VLC instead of Groove Music (which is the name of the default music player in Windows 10). That'southward it. At present moving forward, all apps with that file type will open in the app y'all chose.

Use Open up With

If you don't want to get through the irksome process of changing each file type, you can modify the associations every bit you motility forth. Correct-click the file, select Open up With, and so choose the app yous desire to utilize. Or, if you don't see it on the list, click "Cull another app" from the menu. Or search the Microsoft Store for an app.

In this example, I want to alter the default PDF app from Microsoft Border.

That volition bring upwards a list of apps y'all tin can open the file with. If you want to check the box, ever use the app to open that blazon of file and click OK.

If you're new to Windows 10, you'll find some of your files open in new programs that you're non familiar with. But the cool affair is you can change them to what you want. You tin can exercise this for older versions of Windows, besides.