When it comes to applications, everyone has a preference. While your Windows 10 computer comes pre-installed with default applications for handling almost every file type, sometimes you may want to switch to a better alternative to perform the same task.
Whether you prefer Chrome on Edge Whether you're browsing or using VLC to set up Groove Music as your default, there are a number of different ways you can set up or change default apps on Windows 10. In this article, we'll cover them all. So, without further ado, let's get started.
How to Change Default Apps/Programs in Windows 10
There are two ways you can change default apps in Windows 10. One involves using the Settings app on Windows, while the other requires diving into the file properties. Here are both methods.
Use the Settings app.
You can use the Settings app in Windows 10 to quickly change the default apps on your PC. This can be useful when you want to change the default apps for multiple categories at once. Here's how.
Step 1: press the . key Windows + I To open Settings and select Apps.
Step 2: Go to the “Default Apps” tab, and you'll find a list of basic default apps on your right, including email, maps, music player, photo viewer, video player, and web browser.
Step 3: To change the default app for any category, click Current default application Select any application from the list that appears.
Additionally, you can also search for a compatible app for the selected category from Microsoft Store.
Use the properties
Aside from using the Settings app, you can also change the default app for a file by looking in its properties. Here's how.
Step 1: Right click on the file in question and choose The properties from the context menu.
Step 2: In the Properties window that opens, click the button. A change.
Step 3: You'll now see a list of applications that can open this type of file. Select a new application from the list and click "OK". Then click the Apply button.
Now every file that shares the same format will open in the newly selected default application.
How to change the default program for specific file types
While you can use file properties to change the default app for a specific file type, you'll be better off using the Settings app on Windows if you want to change default apps for multiple file types at once.
Step 1: press the . key Windows + I To open Settings and select Apps.
Step 2: Go to the tab default appsScroll down and tap “Select default apps by file type".
Step 3: Here you'll find a list of all the file types supported by Windows 10, along with their default applications. To change the default application for any file type, click Current default application Select a new app from the list.
If the file type does not have a default application, you can choose one by clicking the icon. "+" next to him.
Again, if the selected file type doesn't have any compatible app, you'll have to install a new app from the Windows Store.
How to change default apps by protocol
Aside from changing the default app based on file type, you can also set a default app based on the file's protocol. For example, Skype uses certain protocols for text, voice, and video chat, MailTo contains links that need to be processed by an email app, and so on.
Continue reading with us to find out. How to change default apps According to the protocol.
Step 1: Open menu START YOUR Click on the icon Settings, then tap Applications.
Step 2: Go to the tab default apps On the left. Scroll down and click on “Choose default app by protocol.”
Step 3: Windows 10 will provide you with a long list of different protocols and their associated applications. Simply click the application icon next to the protocol and select any application from the list to change it.
Setting default apps in this way can be useful when you have more than one implementation for a protocol.
How to reset all default apps in Windows 10
If you happen to regret making too many changes to the default app settings, and want to change all your current app preferences back to their default apps, here's how to do it.
Step 1: press the . key Windows + I To open Settings and select Applications.
Step 2: Go to the tab "Default Applications" You'll find a list of the default apps for each category on your right. Scroll down to the bottom of this list and tap the Reset Under “Reset to Microsoft recommended default settings.
Resetting app preferences will allow you to start from scratch. You can then customize default apps as you see fit using the Settings menu or Control Panel.
New default
As we just learned, changing default apps is simple and straightforward. Doing so allows you to enjoy all your files and programs open in your favorite apps.
