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.
Open Settings, navigate to Apps, then Default apps. Scroll down and click the “Reset all default apps” button, then confirm by clicking OK. This restores Microsoft’s original app choices for all file types for your user account.
What is a Default App?
A default app is the program Windows automatically chooses to open certain types of files or links, like your web browser for website links. Knowing what a default app is helps you understand how your computer decides which program to use when you click on things. Resetting these defaults can help if programs aren’t opening as you expect.
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 reset all default apps in Windows 11 back to Microsoft’s original choices using the Settings app. This process quickly restores the default app for every file type to what Windows recommends. To reset all default apps in Windows 11, open the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings, or by pressing the Windows key + I.
- 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.
- On the left side menu, click Apps.
windows 11 settings apps on menu - On the right side, click Default apps.
Windows 11 default apps tile in the settings app - Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Look for the button that says Reset all default apps and click it.
Reset All Default Apps Button - A message will appear asking you to confirm. Click OK to proceed.
- 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.
Default apps are programs Windows automatically picks to open specific files or links. Resetting default apps returns your computer to Microsoft's original recommended programs for all file types. This change only affects your account, and the reset is quick using the Windows 11 Settings app. After resetting, Windows will use its default apps for everything.
How do I clear all default apps?
And select at near the bottom where it says system. So select that and then you want to go down again. And select the reset options at the bottom. Select reset app preferences.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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