Canonical: https://screensie.com/knowledge-base/software/default-applications/change-default-app/

Choose which Windows app opens a file type or link. Open Settings > Apps > Default apps and choose the app or file extension. Follow the steps in order.

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Software


# How to Change a Default App




## How do I change a Default App?




Open Settings \> Apps \> Default apps and choose the app or file extension.




Choose which Windows app opens a file type or link.




Updated 
September 2, 2026
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 5 min
Applies 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.




**Before you begin**


Save open work. Confirm that you are working on the intended computer and that you are authorized to make the change.




## 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.




**Verify the result**


Repeat the relevant check and confirm the intended result before considering the task complete.


 


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