![A Comprehensible Guide to Managing Windows 11 Default Applications](https://thmb.techidaily.com/c07b7ea823a20fff0d48f1accc60826d6016566f3469f152eba0254ae0b7e1bc.jpg)
A Comprehensible Guide to Managing Windows 11 Default Applications
![](/images/site-logo.png)
A Comprehensible Guide to Managing Windows 11 Default Applications
If you are not satisfied with any of the default apps assigned by Windows, you can change them to your preferred options. This process was quite simple in Windows 10, but Microsoft has made it a bit complicated for Windows 11 users.
In this guide, we will discuss the method of changing the default apps in Windows 11 in detail. We have also discussed several troubleshooting methods later in this guide that you can try if the default apps fail to change.
How to Change the Default Apps in Windows 11
Changing the default apps in Windows 10 is quite simple. You can access theDefault Apps section of the Settings app and replace the current default app with your preferred option.
In Windows 11, this method is slightly different. You must set a program default for all the registered file types and links relevant to it since there isn’t aSet default for all option available.
Below, we have listed different ways of changing the default apps in Windows 11:
1. Choose the Open With Option
The easiest method of changing the default apps option is by using the Open with option in the context menu for files.
Here is how you can do that:
- Right-click on the targeted file. For instance, an image file that you want to open with an app other than the default Photos app.
- ChooseOpen with >Choose another app from the context menu.
- Now, in the following dialog, choose the app you want to set as the default option. If you cannot find the targeted app in the list, chooseLook for another app on this PC and then select the app.
- Click onAlways use this app to open files and clickOK . This should set the selected app as the default preference.
2. Use the Settings App
The next thing that you can do is access the Default Apps option and choose the preferred app from there.
Follow these steps to proceed:
- Press the Win + I keys together to open the Windows Settings.
- ChooseApps from the left pane.
- Click onDefault apps .
- Next, choose the app that you want to set as default. You should now see all the file types and link types the app is registered with.
- If you want to choose a program as the default for all its registered file types and links, you’d need to click each type and choose the desired application in the following dialog.
This should set the app as the default option for the selected file and link types. However, if you reset Windows 11 to its default state ever, you will lose all these settings.
SwifDoo PDF Perpetual (1 PC) Free upgrade. No monthly fees ever.
3. Use File Properties
You can also change the file properties of the targeted file to open it with a new default app.
To proceed, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the targeted file and chooseProperties from the context menu.
- Head over to the General tab and click on theChange button associated withOpens with .
- Now, choose the desired app and clickOK .
What to Do If You Cannot Change the Default Apps in Windows 11?
If you are unable to change the default apps in Windows 11 despite trying the different methods mentioned above, it could be due to the following reasons:
- The app that you are trying to set as the default option is dealing with a corruption error or is not installed correctly.
- A group policy setting in the system is preventing you from changing these configurations.
- You do not have sufficient permissions to make changes of this level in the system.
- The app is not compatible with your system.
In this case,ensure that your user account has administrative rights and that the app you are trying to set as default is compatible with the system. Here are some more steps you can follow to resolve the problem.
1. Update Windows 11
If you’re running an outdated version of Windows, you may be experiencing problems due to incompatibility issues. Windows 11 needs to be updated to the latest version in this case.
Here is how you can do that:
- Press the Win + I keys together to open Windows Settings.
- ChooseWindows Update from the left pane.
- Now, click on theCheck for updates button on the right side.
- Install all the pending updates one by one by clicking on theDownload & install button and then restart your PC.
Once this is done, follow one of the steps above to change the default app.
2. Reset the Targeted App
If the problem is within the app that you are trying to change, you can reset the program to solve the problem.
Follow these steps to proceed:
- Press Win + S keys together to open Windows Search.
- Type Powershell and chooseRun as administrator .
- ClickYes in the User Account Control prompt.
- In the Powershell window, type the command mentioned below and click Enter. Replace packagename with the name package name of the app that you want to set as default.
Get-AppxPackage packagename -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage - For instance, if you want to change the Photos app, execute the following command:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackageJutoh is an ebook creator for Epub, Kindle and more. It’s fast, runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, comes with a cover design editor, and allows book variations to be created with alternate text, style sheets and cover designs.
- Once the command is executed, check if you can change the default app.
3. Reinstall the App
Lastly, you can try reinstalling the app that you want to set as default. This will eliminate any corruption errors are bugs within the app that are preventing you from setting it as the default option.
Here is how you can proceed:
- Press the Win + R keys together to open a Run dialog.
- Type control in Run and click Enter.
- In the following window, navigate toUninstall a program .
DLNow Video Downloader
- Locate the targeted app and right-click on it.
- ChooseUninstall and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
Once the uninstallation is completed, restart the computer and reinstall the app. Hopefully, this time, you will be able to set it as the default option without any problems.
Make Your Preferred Apps Default
The apps set as the default options on Windows are quite user-friendly and efficient. It is possible, however, to change the default preference to a better option if you have found one that suits your system better.
With the methods listed above, you should be able to change the default apps on your Windows 11 system in no time. Nevertheless, keep in mind that in the event that Windows is reinstalled or reset, these options will return to the default configuration.
Also read:
- [Updated] Navigating Noise-Free Networks Secrets for Silencing Disruptions on GoMeet for 2024
- [Updated] Skincare Secrets for Success
- 2024 Approved Achieving Cost-Free Online Educational Streaming
- 2024 Approved The Ultimate Playlist in 10 Seconds YouTube Shorts Explained
- 2024'S Leading Gaming Platforms: A Comprehensive Review
- Accelerated Action Plan: 9 Steps to Stop WWE Crashes in Windows
- Accessing and Running Verifier Manager in Windows 11
- Addressing Frozen Menu Items in Windows 11 Desktop
- Advanced iOS File Recovery Tool: Protect and Restore iPhone Data Instantly – Shop Today
- Crafting Effective Power Indicators in Windows
- Deciphering and Correcting Error 0X80004004 on Defender
- Decoding CHKDSK, SFC & DISM for System Repairing
- Eliminating Windows 11'S Spotify Connectivity Fails
- Expert Strategies to Change File Formats on PC
- Exploring the Ultimate 5 Choices of Wi-Fi Based Chat Applications for Effortless Texting Online
- How to Skirt SIE & Load Unsigned Drivers in Windows OSes
- How to Unlock OnePlus Ace 3 Phone Pattern Lock without Factory Reset
- In 2024, Essential Tips for Gameplay Screen Captures on Xbox One
- In 2024, Remove Device Supervision From your iPhone 6 Plus
- In 2024, The Artisan's Guide to Animation Enchantment
- In-Depth Study of Video Tech Outside ManyCam for 2024
- Initiating Playback - How to Start Windows Media Player
- Keeping Tabs on PC Login: Separating Goals From Errors
- Keyboard/Mouse Wake Issues: Fix for Win11 Users
- Navigating Activation Failures in Office Suite
- Overcoming Operation Failed 0X0000011B in Windows
- Personalizing Windows Inactive Session Limit
- Reclaim Original Look for Discoloured Extend Volume
- Resolving 'Cannot Preview' Error with Microsoft Office Outlook
- Revolutionizing Gaming with DXVK - The Windows Perspective
- Revolutionizing UI: Proposing Innovations in Windows 11 Widget Design
- Simplifying Unhandled Exception: Strategies to Mitigate on PC
- Squashing Faulty Empty Directory Alert with #0X80070091 on Windows 11
- Swift Systems: Top Strategies for Fixed Windows 11 WWE Games
- Tackling Windows 11: No Response to Click Events
- Tips to Retrieve Faded BIOS Messages
- Top Windows Fixes to Unblock Firefox Page Load Blockage
- What Is the Purpose of Pagefile.sys and Should It Be Deleted?
- Winning Back Access to Steam Remote Play
- Title: A Comprehensible Guide to Managing Windows 11 Default Applications
- Author: David
- Created at : 2024-08-15 23:28:21
- Updated at : 2024-08-16 23:28:21
- Link: https://win11.techidaily.com/a-comprehensible-guide-to-managing-windows-11-default-applications/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.