How to Choose Default Apps in Windows 11

Why This Matters

Windows relies on default apps to decide which program launches when you double-click a file or click a web link. Your preferred browser opens automatically when clicking any web link, for instance.

Customized defaults apply exclusively to the currently active user account. Other profiles on the same computer remain entirely unaffected.

What Happens When Done

Configuring default apps tells the operating system which software handles particular files and protocols. Photos open directly inside your preferred image editor, while web links launch your chosen browser. Establishing these preferences keeps daily workflows smooth and predictable.

Reference: Change Default Apps in Windows – Microsoft Support

Windows 11 build 23419 Microsoft redesigned the “Open with” dialog box to match the modern aesthetic of Windows 11. Visual elements now adapt correctly to light and dark system themes. Changing a default handler now takes a single click.

Microsoft introduced a dedicated link using a URI scheme (a short web address format) to route you directly to the correct settings page.

Recent updates to Windows 11 (builds 22631.5549 and 26100.4484) include changes for setting browser defaults:

• New file and link types get set for the new default browser automatically
• The new default browser pins to the Taskbar and Start menu (unless you uncheck the boxes)
• There's now a one-click button for browsers to change your .pdf default

Windows 11 builds 26120.4162 and later surface recommendations from the Microsoft Store inside the "Open with" dialog. Software sourced from the store displays a dedicated icon next to the entry.

Recent builds (26220.7344 and later) populate Microsoft Store applications directly within the Open With menu. Navigating to a separate storefront window is no longer necessary.

Option 1Choose Default App Using the Context Menu

You can change the default app for a specific file directly from the right-click menu. Selecting 'Choose another app' reveals additional programs if the target application fails to appear initially.

1. Right-click or press and hold on a single file. Click Open with.
2. Choose one of these options:

   • If no default app exists, only Open with appears in the menu.
   • Click an app (like Notepad) to open the file "Just once" with that app. Go to step 4.
   • Click Choose another app and go to step 3.
3. Choose an app using one of these methods:

   • If this file type already has a default app, you'll see it listed under Default app.
   • Select a listed app and click Always (to set as default) or Just once (to use once only).
   • Click Browse apps in the Microsoft Store to find and install an app. Return to step 1 to select the new app.
   • Click Choose an app on your PC. Browse for an app file (.exe, .pif, .com, .bat, or .cmd). Click Open, then click Always or Just once.
4. The file now opens with the app you selected.

Option 2Choose Default App Using File Properties

Modifying the default program for an entire file category, such as all .pdf documents, works through the item properties menu. Right-clicking any matching file and choosing 'Properties' reveals controls to alter the opening application. Selecting preferred software here guarantees consistent handling for future documents.

1. Right-click or press and hold on a single file. Click Properties.
2. In the General tab, click the Change button next to Opens with. If this file type has a default app, you'll see it listed next to Opens with.
3. Choose an app using one of these methods:

   • If a default app already exists, you'll see it listed under Default app.
   • Select a listed app and click Set default to set it as the default app.
   • Click Browse apps in the Microsoft Store to find and install an app from the Microsoft Store. Return to step 2 to select the new app.
   • Click Choose an app on your PC. Browse for an app file (.exe, .pif, .com, .bat, or .cmd). Click Open, then click Set default.

Option 3Choose Defaults by App in Settings

Manage all your app associations in one place using the Settings app. Selecting a target program displays every associated file format and protocol linked to that application.

1. Open Settings (press Win+I). Settings
2. Click Apps on the left, then click Default apps on the right.  Open Default apps settings
3. Search or scroll for the app (like Notepad) you want to set defaults for. Click it.
4. Click the file or link type (like .txt) you want to set a default app for. The current default app for that type shows below the file type.
5. Choose an app using one of these methods:

   • If a default app already exists, you'll see it listed under Default app.
   • Select a listed app and click Set default.
   • Click Browse apps in the Microsoft Store to find and install an app. Return to step 2 to select the new app.
   • Click Choose an app on your PC. Browse for an app file (.exe, .pif, .com, .bat, or .cmd). Click Open, then click Set default.
6. Close Settings when finished.

Option 4Choose Defaults by File Type in Settings

Assigning a program to a specific file extension, such as .txt documents or .jpg images, relies on the 'Choose defaults by file type' utility within Settings. Locating this feature at the bottom of the 'Default apps' panel allows manual assignment for every extension.

1. Open Settings (press Win+I).
2. Click Apps on the left, then click Default apps on the right.  Open Default apps settings
3. Click Choose defaults by file type at the bottom of the right side.
4. Search or scroll for a file type (like .txt).
5. Choose an app using one of these methods:

   • If a default app already exists, you'll see it listed under Default app.
   • Select a listed app and click Set default.
   • Click Browse apps in the Microsoft Store to find and install an app. Return to step 4 to select the new app.
   • Click Choose an app on your PC. Browse for an app file (.exe, .pif, .com, .bat, or .cmd). Click Open, then click Set default.
6. Close Settings when finished.

Option 5Choose Defaults by Link Type in Settings

1. Open Settings (press Win+I). Settings
2. Click Apps on the left, then click Default apps on the right.  Open Default apps settings
3. Click Choose defaults by link type towards the bottom of the right side.
4. Search or scroll for a link type (for example: "MAILTO") you want to choose defaults for, and click on the link type (for example: "MAILTO"). The current default app (for example: "Mail") for a link type will show under the link type.
5. Perform one of the following actions to select an app:

   • If this link type has a default app currently assigned to it, the default app (for example: "Notepad") will show under Default app.
   • Select a listed app to open the file with, and click Set default to open with and set as default app.
   • Click Browse apps in the Microsoft Store to select, download, and install an app from the Microsoft Store. You will need to go back to step 2 to select the new app from the Microsoft Store.
6. When finished, you can close Settings if you like.

Option 6Choose Default Web Browser in Settings

Designating a primary web browser requires navigating through the 'Default apps' menu. Locating the preferred browser within the application list exposes controls to alter protocol assignments for web browsing.

Selected browsers pin automatically to the Taskbar and Start menu unless corresponding option boxes remain unchecked during configuration.

1. Open Settings (press Win+I). Settings
2. Click Apps on the left, then click Default apps on the right.  Open Default apps settings
3. Click on the web browser (for example: "Google Chrome", "Mozilla Firefox", "Microsoft Edge", etc.) you want to set as the default web browser.
4. Click the Set default button at the top. You will see a check mark indicating it has been set as the default web browser for your account.
5. You can now close Settings if you like.

Summary

Windows 11 provides multiple pathways for managing file associations and protocol handlers, accommodating individual adjustments or comprehensive system-wide overhauls.