How to Change Default Apps and File Associations in Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you choose which applications open particular file types and link types. Changing these defaults is useful when a new application takes over a file association or when you want a different browser, media player, PDF reader, or text editor to handle a format.

Open Default apps

1. Open Start > Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Select Default apps.

Microsoft’s current guidance uses this page to manage defaults by file type, link type, and application. [1]

1. Change the app for a file type

1. In the Default apps search field, type the file extension, such as .txt, .pdf, or .jpg.
2. Select the matching result.
3. Choose the application that should open that file type.
4. Confirm the change when Windows asks.

Changing one file extension does not necessarily change every related extension. For example, setting a browser for HTML files does not automatically define every image or document association.

2. Change the app for a link type

1. On the Default apps page, search for the link type or protocol.
2. Select the result, such as an HTTP or HTTPS association.
3. Choose the application that should handle the link.
4. Confirm the selection.

Use this approach when links open in an unexpected browser or application. Check both HTTP and HTTPS if you want the browser behavior to be consistent.

3. Change all supported defaults for an app

1. On the Default apps page, search for the application name.
2. Select the application.
3. Review the file types and link types that it can open.
4. Select each association that you want to change.
5. Choose the preferred application.

This method is helpful when you install a new application and want it to handle several related formats. Review the list instead of changing every association automatically.

4. Set the default browser

1. Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
2. Under Set defaults for applications, select the browser you want to use.
3. Select Set default next to the browser’s default option.

Microsoft documents this workflow for setting Microsoft Edge as the default browser. The same Default apps area is used to select another installed browser. [1]

5. Review the result

Open a representative file and test a normal web link after changing defaults. If only one application behaves differently, check the specific extension or protocol rather than changing the whole app configuration again.

6. Troubleshoot an association that will not change

• Confirm that the target application is installed and supports the file type.
• Return to Settings and change the association by file type instead of by app.
• Restart the application that was open when you changed the default.
• Check whether the organization manages defaults through policy.
• Use the application’s own settings only when Windows does not expose the association you need.

Common mistakes

• Changing the application default and assuming every file type changes with it.
• Changing only HTTP but not HTTPS for browser links.
• Choosing an application that cannot actually open the file type.
• Changing defaults on a managed device without checking organizational policy.

Sources

1. Microsoft Support: Change default apps in Windows