How To Change What Program Opens A File Windows 10

When it comes to using Windows 10, knowing how to change what program opens a file can be a game-changer. Did you know that by default, Windows 10 assigns certain file types to specific programs? This means that when you double-click on a file, it automatically opens in a designated program. But what if you want to change that and use a different program instead? In this guide, we'll explore the steps to easily change what program opens a file in Windows 10.

Changing what program opens a file is a common necessity when working with Windows 10. Whether you prefer a different photo viewer, video player, or document editor, having the ability to choose your preferred program can greatly enhance your workflow and overall user experience. By customizing your file associations, you can ensure that files open in the most suitable program for your needs. It's a simple yet powerful feature that lets you tailor your computing experience to your personal preferences.

How to Change What Program Opens a File Windows 10: An Expert Guide

Windows 10 allows users to open files with different programs depending on their preferences and the type of file being accessed. This flexibility is essential for productivity and convenience. However, knowing how to change the default program that opens a specific file type can be useful, especially when trying to streamline workflow and improve efficiency.

1. Using the Right-Click Context Menu

One of the easiest ways to change the default program that opens a file in Windows 10 is by using the right-click context menu. Follow these steps:

• Locate the file you want to change the default program for.
• Right-click on the file to open the context menu.
• Select "Open with" from the options.
• A submenu will appear with a list of recommended programs and the option to select a different app.
• Choose the program you want to use as the default for opening that specific file type.

Customize Program Options

If the program you want to use isn't listed in the "Open with" submenu, click on "Choose another app" at the bottom to browse through the installed programs on your computer and select the appropriate one. You can also click on "Look for another app on this PC" if the desired program is not installed and locate it manually.

Setting Program as Default

If you want to set the chosen program as the default option for opening all files of that type, check the box that says "Always use this app to open (file type) files". This ensures that every time you open a file with that extension, it will automatically use the selected program.

By following these steps, you can easily change the default program that opens a particular file type using the right-click context menu in Windows 10.

2. Using the Control Panel

An alternative method for changing the default program that opens a file in Windows 10 is through the Control Panel. Here's how:

• Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
• In the Control Panel, locate and click on "Default Programs."
• In the Default Programs window, select "Set your default programs."
• A list of installed programs will appear. Choose the program you want to set as the default.
• Click on "Set this program as default" to make it the default program for all associated file types.

Customizing File Type Associations

If you prefer a more granular approach to changing the default program for specific file types, you can click on "Choose defaults for this program" instead of "Set this program as default." This allows you to customize the file type associations for that particular program.

The Control Panel method provides more control over the default program settings and is particularly useful if you want to make changes beyond individual file types.

3. Using the Settings App

Windows 10 also offers an alternative method to change the default program for opening files through the Settings app. Here's how:

• Open the Settings app by clicking on the "Start" menu, followed by the gear icon.
• In the Settings app, select "Apps."
• Click on "Default apps" in the left sidebar.
• Scroll down and click on "Choose default apps by file type."
• A list of file types and their current associated apps will be displayed. Scroll through the list to find the file type you want to change.
• Click on the program currently associated with the file type, and a menu will appear with a list of other available programs.
• Select the program you want to set as the default for that file type.

Finding Additional Programs

If the desired program is not listed in the available options, click on "Look for an app in the Microsoft Store" or "Look for another app on this PC" to find and select the program manually.

Resetting File Associations

If you want to reset all file associations to their default settings, scroll to the bottom of the "Choose default apps by file type" page and click on "Reset" to revert back to Windows 10's default program assignments.

Using the Settings app provides a straightforward and intuitive way to change the default program that opens a file in Windows 10.

Exploring Additional Options

In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are other ways to change what program opens a file in Windows 10:

1. Open with Dialogue Box

To change the default program for a specific file temporarily, you can use the "Open with" dialogue box. Here's how:

• Locate the file you want to change the default program for.
• Right-click on the file and select "Open with" from the context menu.
• A dialogue box will appear with a list of available programs.
• Select the program you want to use to open the file.
• Check the box that says "Always use this app to open (file type) files" if you want to set it as the default program for that file type.

Advantage of Open with Dialogue Box

The "Open with" dialogue box is handy when you only need to change the default program for a specific file without making permanent changes to the system settings.

2. File Properties

You can also change the default program that opens a file through its properties. Here's how:

• Locate the file you want to change the default program for.
• Right-click on the file and select "Properties" from the context menu.
• In the properties window, go to the "General" tab.
• Click on the "Change" button next to "Opens with" to select a new program.

This method allows you to change the default program for a specific file without affecting the system-wide settings.

3. Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows advanced users to make extensive changes to Windows settings. However, editing the registry can be risky, so it is recommended to create a backup or seek expert guidance before making any modifications.

To change the default program for a file type using the Registry Editor:

• Open the Registry Editor by typing "regedit" in the Start menu and selecting the appropriate result.
• Navigate to the following location: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.(file extension)\OpenWithProgids
• Locate the program you want to set as the default and double-click on it.

Changing default programs through the Registry Editor requires caution and expertise, as any incorrect modifications can cause system instability or other issues. It is recommended to leave registry editing to advanced users or seek professional assistance when necessary.

Making Informed Decisions

Making changes to the Windows Registry should only be done when there is a clear understanding of the potential implications. Incorrect modifications can lead to system errors or even render the operating system unusable, so it's important to exercise caution.

In Conclusion

Windows 10 offers various methods to change what program opens a file. By utilizing the right-click context menu, Control Panel, Settings app, "Open with" dialogue box, file properties, or even the Registry Editor, users can customize their file associations and improve their workflow efficiency. However, it's crucial to exercise caution, especially when making changes through the Registry Editor. Always back up important data and seek expert guidance if unsure.

Changing the Default Program to Open Files in Windows 10

When you double-click a file in Windows 10, it opens with a default program. However, you might want to change the program that opens a specific file type, such as opening PDF files with Adobe Reader instead of Microsoft Edge. Here's how you can do it:

Method 1: Changing the Default Program through File Properties

1. Right-click the file you want to change the default program for.

2. Select "Properties" from the context menu.

3. In the Properties dialog box, go to the "General" tab.

4. Click the "Change" button next to "Opens With."

5. Choose the program you want to use from the list or browse for the program's executable file.

6. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Method 2: Changing the Default Program through Settings

1. Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and selecting "Settings" from the Start menu.

2. Click on "Apps," then select "Default apps" from the left-hand side menu.

3. Scroll down and click on "Choose default apps by file type."

4. Browse or scroll to find the file type you want to change the default program for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to changing the program that opens a file in Windows 10:

1. How do I change the default program for opening a file in Windows 10?

To change the default program for opening a file in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the file you want to change the default program for and select "Open with" from the context menu.

2. Choose "Choose another app" from the submenu that appears.

3. Select the desired program from the list or click on "More apps" to see additional options.

4. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open [file type]" if you want to set the chosen program as the default for that file type.

2. Can I change the default program for opening multiple files at once in Windows 10?

Yes, you can change the default program for opening multiple files at once in Windows 10 by following these steps:

1. Select all the files you want to change the default program for by holding the Ctrl key and clicking on each file.

2. Right-click on any of the selected files and choose "Open with" from the context menu.

3. Follow steps 2-4 from the previous question to select the desired program and set it as the default for the selected files.

3. How do I remove the current default program for opening a file in Windows 10?

To remove the current default program for opening a file in Windows 10, do the following:

1. Right-click on the file and select "Open with" from the context menu.

2. Choose "Choose another app."

3. Scroll down and select "Look for another app on this PC."

4. In the file explorer window, navigate to the program you want to use and select it.

5. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open [file type]" if you want to set the new program as the default for that file type.

4. Can I choose different programs to open different file types in Windows 10?

Yes, in Windows 10, you can choose different programs to open different file types. Here's how:

1. Right-click on the file you want to change the program for and select "Open with" from the context menu.

2. Choose "Choose another app."

3. Select the desired program from the list or click on "More apps" to see additional options.

4. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open [file type]" if you want to set the chosen program as the default for that file type.

5. What should I do if the program I want to use is not listed when changing the default program?

If the program you want to use is not listed when changing the default program, you can do the following:

1. Click on the "More apps" option to see additional programs.

2. If the desired program is still not listed, click on the "Look for another app on this PC" option.

3. In the file explorer window, navigate to the program you want to use and select it.

4. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open [file type]" if you want to set the

Changing the default program that opens a file in Windows 10 is a simple process that can greatly enhance your productivity and user experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily customize your file associations and ensure that your preferred programs are always used to open specific file types.

Remember to explore the various file types and their associated programs on your computer to make sure you're using the most suitable applications. Whether you're opening images, playing videos, or editing documents, having the right program can make a significant difference. So go ahead and start customizing your file associations to improve your workflow and enjoy a more personalized computing experience on Windows 10!