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+--- Thread: How to Choose Default Apps in Windows 11 (/showthread.php?tid=576)
How to Choose Default Apps in Windows 11 - Sneakyone - 09-09-2024
How to Choose Default Apps in Windows 11
In Windows 11, you can choose which applications open certain file types by setting default apps. For example, you can choose your preferred web browser, media player, or photo viewer as the default app. This guide will show you how to set or change default apps for specific file types and protocols in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Apps.
Step 2: Access the Default Apps Settings
1. In the Apps section, click on Default apps.
2. You will now see a list of installed apps, file types, and protocols.
Step 3: Set Default Apps by File Type or Protocol
Option 1: Set Default Apps by File Type
1. In the Default apps window, scroll through the list of file types or use the search bar at the top to find the file extension you want to associate with a new default app (for example, `.pdf` for PDF files or `.jpg` for image files).
2. Click on the file extension, and a list of available apps will appear.
3. Select the app you want to set as the default for that file type.
Option 2: Set Default Apps by Protocol
1. Scroll down in the Default apps window to find the list of protocols (such as HTTP or MAILTO).
2. Click on a protocol, and choose the app you want to set as the default for that protocol (e.g., set your default email app for the `mailto` protocol).
Step 4: Set Default Apps by App Name
1. If you want to change the default file associations for a specific app (e.g., changing all web links to open in a different browser), use the search bar under Set defaults for applications to find the app.
2. Click on the app name, and you’ll see a list of file types and protocols associated with it.
3. Click on a file type or protocol and select a new default app from the list.
Step 5: Reset Default Apps to Microsoft Recommended Defaults (Optional)
If you want to revert all your file type and protocol associations to the Microsoft recommended defaults, follow these steps:
1. Scroll down in the Default apps window and click on Reset under the section titled Reset all default apps.
2. This will reset all file types and protocols to their original default apps, such as Microsoft Edge for web browsing.
Step 6: Change the Default App from the Context Menu (Optional)
You can also change the default app for a specific file type directly from File Explorer:
1. Right-click on a file (e.g., a `.txt` or `.mp4` file) and select Open with > Choose another app.
2. In the pop-up window, select the app you want to use.
3. Check the box that says Always use this app to open .xxx files to make it the default app.
4. Click OK.
Step 7: Manage Optional Features (Optional)
Some apps may not appear in the list of default apps. In this case, you may need to install additional features:
1. Go back to the Apps section in Settings.
2. Click on Optional features, and you can add missing features that may enable more app options for certain file types.
Conclusion
Choosing default apps in Windows 11 is an essential part of personalizing your experience and ensuring your preferred applications handle the files and tasks you work with. By following this guide, you can easily set, change, or reset default apps for various file types and protocols.