Changing default programs
- KARYN O'DELL
- 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 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.
Click Start (the Windows icon in the lower left) > Settings (the gear icon) > Apps > Default Apps
Scroll to the bottom and click the Choose default apps by file type option
Find the extension of the filetype you want to set a default for (e.g. .pdf)
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.
In File Explorer, locate desired file. (in this example, a .pdf file)
Right click the file, mouse over Open with, and click Choose another app...
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
Hit OK
If you need additional help, please contact the Help Desk.