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How to Change a Default App

Choose which Windows app opens a file type or link.

Updated September 2, 2026Difficulty: EasyTime: 5 minApplies to: Windows, Windows 10, Windows 11

Follow the steps in order and stop if the screen or target does not match what is described. Use administrator access only when the task requires it.

Open Default apps

Press Windows + I, select Apps, then Default apps.

Choose how to search

Select an application to see its associations, or search for an extension such as .pdf.

Select the current default

Choose the current app beside the file type, then select the replacement.

Test one file

Open a known file of that type and confirm it uses the intended app.