7 ways to change default applications in Windows

You can set up an application as default to open all file types that the program can handle or tweak applications to use only for specific file types, according to specific protocols. and even specific devices.

Install a program

Programs will usually set up as the default program for any type of file that the program can handle during the installation process. This is usually convenient, for example, when you install VLC, this program can become the default music player and movie viewer for all media file formats on the system.

However, sometimes you may want to install a program but don't want it to automatically select all file formats for that program to handle, so when you install it you can specify it. type of file format that you just want the program to open only.

For example, installing VLC below, the Other option will allow you to set VLC to read only the formats you want and of course choose to default, the rest of the formats will remain open with the previous program. which you choose.

Use the Options option of the application

Many applications also have the option to allow users to set up that program to open only the file formats you specify. Often you will find this option in the Options window of that program. However, not all programs have this option, but some tools will use Windows wearable programs.

Right-click the file

To change the default application for a specific file extension, right-click on that file type and select Open with . If the program you need is in the Open with option, you just need to click on the program name in the list, if not, then select Choose default program to choose.

For example, if you want to change the default program to open a JPEG image file, you will have to right-click a JPEG file, then select Open with> Choose default program. In the window that appears, click on the image viewer you want to use as the default tool in the list, if the program you want to use is not in the list, click the Browse button to select the correct program you need .

Then click on the option Always use the selected program to open this kind of file , then press the OK button to apply.

Set your program default

Windows also has an option that allows you to configure default program settings in different ways. To access this option, open Control Panel and click Programs> Default Programs.

Then click the Set your default programs link , you will see a list of programs installed on your computer. Choose one of the programs you want to use, you will see the file extensions that are related to that program. Then click the option Set this program as default to select the default program for all file types that the program can open.

You can also click the Choose defaults for this program option and select the file extension you want the program to handle.

Link a specific format to a program.

In the Default Programs window, click the Associate link a file type or protocol with a program that will allow you to link a specific file type or protocol to a program.

The Set Associations window appears along with a list of extensions of computer file types listed in alphabetical order. Select the file format you want to change the default open program, and then click the Change program button . to link this file format to a specific program.

This screen also allows you to control the programs associated with protocols such as http:///, ftp: //, mailto and you will find the protocols at the bottom of the list.

Change AutoPlay settings

Changing the AutoPlay setting will allow you to choose the default applications given when you insert Audio CDs, video DVDs and other media files.

You can even choose that action by default when you connect specific devices to your computer that contain the file formats you have set up. Of course, you will see the name of your device connected in this list.

Set Program Access and Defaults

The Default Programs window also gives you the option of Set program access and computer defaults.

This window allows you to choose your default browser, email program, media player, instant messaging program and Java virtual machine. You can also disable access to individual applications.