Change the default application that opens a file - Windows

Windows keeps a detailed list of the applications used to open specific file types by default. For example, when you click on a .docx file, Windows will automatically open the Microsoft Word application. Occasionally, you might want to change the default application used to open a certain file.

Change the default application in Windows 10

1. In the Windows File Explorer -- or on your desktop -- right-click on the file for which you want to change the default application.
2. In the resulting pop-up dialog box, select Open with > Choose another app.
3. In the How do you want to open this file? dialog box:
   
   • Click on the application that you'd like to be the new default.
   • Select the Always use this app to open .zzz files check box.
   • Click on the OK button.
4. This should set the default permanently under your user profile.

Example 1: Change the default application to open .PDF files

1. In the Windows File Explorer -- or on your desktop -- right-click on any .PDF file. 
2. In the resulting pop-up dialog box, select Open with > Choose another app
3. In the How do you want to open this file? dialog box:
   • Click on the Acrobat Reader DC app.
   • Select the Always use this app to open .PDF files check box.
   • Click on the OK button.
4. This should set the .PDF default permanently under your user profile.

Example 2: Change the default application to open .JPG files

1. In the Windows File Explorer -- or on your desktop -- right-click on any .JPG file. 
2. In the resulting pop-up dialog box, select Open with > Choose another app
3. In the How do you want to open this file? dialog box:
   • Click on the Photos app.
   • Select the Always use this app to open .JPG files check box.
   • Click on the OK button.
4. This should set the .JPG default permanently under your user profile.