How to Change the Program That Opens a Certain Type of File in Windows

Windows allows you to easily change the program that opens certain file types, ensuring that your productivity is not hindered by default application settings. Whether you're working on text files, image files, or any other type of file, you can customize which program opens them by following a few simple steps.

Using the File Explorer Method

The first method involves using File Explorer:

Open File Explorer (by pressing Win E or navigating to it in the Start menu). Locate the file you wish to change the default program for. Left-click on the file and select "Open with" from the context menu. A list of programs that can open the file will appear. If the desired program is in the list, select it. Otherwise, navigate to the program's .exe file and select it. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open [file name]" to apply this setting for this specific file only. If you want to set this program as the default for all files of this type, you may need to follow the steps below for the specific file type.

Changing Default Programs via Settings

For a more comprehensive approach, you can change the default program set for a certain file type:

Open the Settings app (press Win I or search for "Settings" in the Start menu). Go to "Apps" and then click on "Default apps." Here, you will see a list of file types and their associated programs. Find the file type you wish to change and click on it. Select the program you want to use from the drop-down menu. If it is not listed, you can click on "More apps" and browse for the correct program. Add to the list if you need to by selecting "Look for another app on this PC," then browse to the .exe file of the program you want to use.

Step-by-Step Right-Click Method

If you prefer a simpler, one-step process, here’s how you can do it:

Right-click on the file you want to change. Select "Open with" from the context menu. Click on "Choose another app." Find the program you want to use and check the box "Always use this app to open [file type]" where [file type] is the extension of the file you are opening.

Additional Tips

1. Backup Your Changes: When tweaking file associations, it's always a good idea to keep a backup of your current settings before making any changes. This ensures that you can revert back to the original settings if anything goes wrong. 2. Check Program Integrity: Ensure that the program you are assigning to a file type is compatible with your system and the file you are opening to avoid any errors or crashes. 3. Review Default Apps Settings: Windows provides a default set of programs for common file types. You can check and adjust these settings in the "Default apps" section of the Settings to ensure your preferences are being honored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change the default program for a specific file type?

A: Yes, you can set a different program to open specific file types. You can do this either through the Default Apps section in Settings or by right-clicking the file and selecting "Open with."

Q: How do I open a file type with a program not listed in the Open With menu?

A: You can navigate to the folder where the program's .exe file is located and select it for use with the file type. Alternatively, you can click "More apps" and browse to the .exe file of the program.