To change the default program for file types in Windows 10, you can do it through Settings or Control Panel. First, open Settings > Apps > Default Apps, select "Select Default Apps by File Type", click on a specific extension and select a new program; secondly, you can modify it through "Default Programs" > "Settings Association" in the Control Panel; if the required programs are not listed, you can try reinstalling the program, using the "Always Ask" option, or manually selecting the program. For advanced users, associations can also be adjusted through the registry editor or third-party tools.

Changing file associations in Windows 10 is something you might need to do when a certain file type opens with the wrong program — like PDFs opening in a browser or text files opening in Notepad by default. The good news is, it's not hard to fix. You just need to know where to look.

How to Change Default Apps for File Types

Windows 10 lets you control which apps open specific file types through its Default Apps settings. Here's how to get started:

• Open Settings (you can press Win I ).
• Go to Apps > Default Apps .
• Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type .

You'll see a long list of file extensions — things like .pdf , .txt , .jpg , etc. Click on any extension, and you'll be able to pick a new default app from the ones installed on your system.

A common issue is .py files opening in an editor instead of running scripts. Make sure to double-check those if you're working with code.

If the app you want isn't listed, you can use the “Look for another app on this PC” option to manually select one.

Set Default Programs Through Control Panel (Older Interface)

Some people still prefer the older Control Panel method, especially if they're used to it from Windows 7 or 8:

• Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
• Go to Programs > Default Programs > Set Associations .

Here, you'll find a list of file types grouped alphabetically. Clicking on one will let you change the program associated with it.

This interface might feel less poisoned than the modern Settings app, but it works just as well — especially if you're dealing with obscure file types or legacy software.

What If the App Doesn't Show Up?

Sometimes, even after trying both methods, the app you want doesn't show up in the list. That usually means it didn't register itself properly with Windows during installation.

In that case, try these steps:

• Reinstall the app, making sure to allow it to create file associations.
• Use the “Always ask” option first, then manually choose the app each time until it shows up in the list.
• For advanced users: you can edit the registry or use third-party tools like Default Programs Editor , though that's not recommended unless you know what you're doing.

Also, some UWP apps (like Microsoft Photos or Mail) don't always play nice with classic file types. In those cases, switching to a desktop app is often the simplest solution.

Basically that's it. It's not complicated once you know where to go, but it can be confusing the first time you try it. Just take it step by step, and you should be able to get your files opening the right way.

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