How to Change Which App Opens a File Type in Windows 11

The wrong program keeps opening your files, or Windows shows “How do you want to open this file?” every time you double-click one.

Why: Each file extension (like .pdf, .jpg or .txt) is tied to a default app. When that link is missing or set to a program you don’t want, Windows either asks every time or opens the file in the wrong app. You can re-point any extension to the app you prefer.

Fix 1: Set the default from the “Open with” menu (fastest)

1. Right-click the file, then choose Open with > Choose another app.
2. Pick the app you want from the list. If it’s not shown, scroll down and select More apps, or Choose an app on your PC to browse for it.
3. Tick Always use this app to open .xxx files, then click OK.

Every file with that extension will now open in your chosen app.

Fix 2: Set defaults in Settings (best for many file types)

1. Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
2. In the search box near the top, type the file extension or protocol you want to change, such as .pdf or .txt, and select the matching result.
3. You’ll see the app currently assigned to that type. Click it, choose the app you want from the list, then select Set default.

You can also search for an app instead and see every file type it can open, then change each one.

Fix 3: Reset all defaults if things are tangled

If many associations are wrong, you can start fresh:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
2. Scroll to the bottom to Reset all default apps and click Reset.
3. Windows restores Microsoft’s recommended defaults; reassign your preferred apps using Fix 1 or Fix 2.

FAQ

Why does Windows keep asking which app to use? That extension has no default assigned. Set one with the Always use this app checkbox in Fix 1 and it will stop asking.

The app I want isn’t in the list — what do I do? In the Open with > Choose another app dialog, select Choose an app on your PC and browse to the program’s .exe file (usually under C:\Program Files).

Can I change defaults for links and protocols too? Yes. In Settings > Apps > Default apps, search for the protocol (like HTTP for web links) and pick the app the same way.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Change default apps in Windows