Each file format may need a specific program that can run or view it. These days, some programs may be able to open various file formats out of the box.
For example, Windows Photo Viewer can open GIF, JPG, PNG, and even some video formats. While this extended support has been beneficial, it may overlap with other programs that can do roughly the same.
In that case, there could be multiple programs for a file format. Windows will normally select the most recently installed program as the default “Open With” app.
But if you are unhappy with the selection, you can always change the default app for a particular file extension. Check out these guides!
Table of Contents
#1 How to change the default “Open With” program
1. Right-click on a file. Navigate to Open with > Choose another app.
2. Then, select the program you’d like to use for this format. Feel free to look into “More apps” or “Microsoft Store”.
3. Once selected, tick the Always use this app to open . files check box and hit OK.
4. The file would open automatically with the selected program. Notice that the file’s thumbnail may be changed, suggesting that it will start using the program from now on.
#2 How to change the default app by file type
The second method is by using Windows Settings to see all the available formats and assign a program for them.
1. First, go to Start and click Settings.
2. Then select Apps.
3. On the left panel, click Default apps.
4. Scroll down and Choose default apps by file type.
5. Navigate to the file format in which you want to appoint its default program.
6. Then, select the program. In this example, I’m switching Edge for Chrome.
7. The default app has been changed.
#3 How to change default apps by their general purpose
Windows 10 splits Email, Maps, Music player, Photo viewer, Video player, and Web browser into a separate category that needs their own default apps.
You can set the default app for each one of these categories via Settings > Apps > Default apps.
One thing to note here is that there are many other features beyond the outlined categories. Eventually, you will need to select default programs for purposes that are not listed here.
