Changing default programs

Owned by KARYN O'DELL
Last updated: Mar 04, 2022 by LUCINDA POE

This article is for users who are seeking to set a default program to open a file rather than open the program and then open the file from within that program. It is also for users who are having trouble launching files through other programs, such as attachments in Outlook, or users who need to change their default PDF handler so it is not opening in their web browser by default.

Change a Basic Default Windows Program

These instructions will help you quickly set a default Web browser, email client, map handler, music player, photo viewer, or video player.

  1. Click Start (the Windows icon in the lower left) > Settings (the gear icon) > Apps > Default Apps

  2. Select whatever application is listed below Web browser or the app handler you’d like to change. This is a drop-down menu that will let you select other apps.

  3. Select the app you’d like to use.

OTC recommends:

  • Email: Outlook

  • Maps: no recommendation

  • Music Player: VLC media player or Windows Media Player

  • Photo Viewer: Windows Photo Viewer or ImageGlass (3rd party install)

  • Video Player: VLC media player

  • Web Browser: Microsoft Edge or Chrome

If the program you want to change something to isn’t listed here, please change your default program by file type instead.

Change a Default Program by File Type

If a program you want to set a default to isn’t listed in the instructions above, or you want to change what program opens another type of file such as PDFs, follow these instructions.

  1. Click Start (the Windows icon in the lower left) > Settings (the gear icon) > Apps > Default Apps

  2. Scroll to the bottom and click the Choose default apps by file type option

  3. Find the extension of the filetype you want to set a default for (e.g. .pdf)

  4. Select the program or + box next to this file extension and select the program you want to open this type of file with

You can find out the extension type of files in File Explorer by clicking View and checking the “File name extensions box.

 

Change a Default Program by “Open With”

You can change your default program for some programs as you open the file using the right-click “Open with” context menu option.

  1. In File Explorer, locate desired file. (in this example, a .pdf file)

  2. Right click the file, mouse over Open with, and click Choose another app...

  3. Check the box that reads Always use this app to open .xxx files, and then select the software you wish to use for opening this file type in the future

     

  4. Hit OK

If you need additional help, please contact the Help Desk.