How to Reset Default Apps in Windows 11

Want to change all your default apps back to Windows 11’s original ones? This guide shows you how to do it in just a few clicks.

What is a Default App?

A default app is the program Windows automatically picks to open specific types of files or links. For example, it’s the app that opens when you click a website link. Knowing what a default app is helps you manage how your computer opens things.

Default apps control how your computer opens files and links. Resetting default apps to Windows' built-in choices returns your computer's default app behavior to its original state. This ensures predictable program opening for common tasks.

How to Reset All Default Apps in 🪟 Windows 11

You can easily reset all your default apps in Windows 11 to Microsoft’s original choices using the Settings app. This process quickly restores the default app for every file type back to what Windows recommends. Follow these steps to reset all default apps in Windows 11.

1. Open ⚙️ the Settings app:

   • Click the ⊞ Start menu and select Settings, or
   • Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to ⚙️ open Settings right away.
2. On the left side menu, click Apps.

   

3. On the right side, click Default apps.

   

4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Look for the button that says Reset all default apps and click it.

   

5. A message will appear asking you to confirm. Click OK to proceed.
6. You’ll see a checkmark next to the reset button when it’s done.

What Happens Now?

Summary

• A default app is the program Windows automatically opens for certain files or links.
• Resetting brings back Microsoft’s original recommended apps for all file types.
• This change only affects your user account. Other accounts on the computer stay the same.
• The reset process takes just a few seconds using the Windows 11 ⚙️ Settings app.
• After you’re done, Windows will use its default apps again.

A default app is the program Windows automatically uses for files or links, and resetting them brings back Microsoft’s recommended choices. This reset only affects your account and takes only a few seconds in the Windows 11 Settings app. After resetting, Windows will use its default apps.