Set Default Programs in Windows 10: Step-by-Step

This guide shows you how to set default programs in Windows 10, so files and links open with the app you prefer—like making Chrome your browser or VLC your video player. You’ll learn the two main methods (per-file and per-app), how to reset defaults, and how to fix common issues. No prior experience needed, just your Windows 10 PC and the program you want to use.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 PC (version 1803 or later recommended, but steps work for most versions)
• The program you want to set as default (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, VLC, Adobe Reader) installed
• Administrator access (usually your normal account is fine, but some changes may require admin)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Set Default by File Type (e.g., .pdf, .jpg)

1. Open Settings (press Windows + I).
2. Click Apps.
3. In the left sidebar, click Default apps.
4. Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type (near the bottom).
5. Find the file extension you want to change (e.g., .pdf). The current default app is shown on the right.
6. Click the app icon next to that extension. A list of installed apps appears.
7. Select the program you want. If it’s not listed, click More apps or Look for another app on this PC to browse to the program’s .exe file.
8. Repeat for any other extensions you want to change.

Method 2: Set Default by Program (e.g., make Chrome your default browser)

1. Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
2. Under the section “Choose default apps,” you’ll see categories like Email, Maps, Music player, Photo viewer, Video player, Web browser.
3. Click the current app icon (e.g., Microsoft Edge for Web browser).
4. Choose your preferred app from the list (e.g., Google Chrome).
5. If the app isn’t listed, click More apps and scroll, or use Look for another app on this PC.
6. Close Settings. The change takes effect immediately.

Method 3: Set Default via Control Panel (Classic View)

1. Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Click Default Programs.
3. Click Set your default programs.
4. In the left list, select the program you want (e.g., VLC).
5. Click Set this program as default (this makes it default for all file types it supports).
6. Or click Choose defaults for this program to pick specific extensions.
7. Click OK to save.

Method 4: Set Default from a File’s Context Menu

1. Right-click any file with the extension you want to change (e.g., a .txt file).
2. Select Open with > Choose another app.
3. In the dialog, select the app you want.
4. Check the box Always use this app to open .txt files.
5. Click OK.

Common Mistakes

• Clicking “Open with” but forgetting to check the “Always” box – This only opens the file once, not permanently.
• Choosing “Look for another app” and selecting the wrong .exe – Some programs have multiple executables (e.g., Chrome has chrome.exe and a crash handler). Make sure you pick the main executable.
• Setting a default for one file type but expecting it to affect all similar types – For example, setting .jpg doesn’t change .png. You need to set each extension separately.
• Not restarting the app or file explorer – Sometimes the change doesn’t reflect until you close and reopen the file or the program.
• Using third-party “default changer” tools – These can break Windows settings; stick to built-in methods.

Tips

• Use the Control Panel method (Method 3) when you want to set a program as default for all its supported file types at once—it’s faster.
• For browsers, Windows may prompt you to confirm the change. Click “Switch anyway” to proceed.
• If you want to reset all defaults to Microsoft’s choices, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and click Reset at the bottom.
• For PDFs, if you want a lightweight viewer, consider using the browser’s built-in PDF viewer—just set the browser as default for .pdf.
• If you change your mind, repeat the same steps and pick the original app.

Troubleshooting

Change doesn’t stick after restart. Some apps (like browsers) may re-assert themselves as default. Check if the app has a setting like “Make default” that overrides Windows. Also, run the built-in PC Health Check or Windows Update to ensure your system is up to date.

App not listed in the “Open with” dialog. Click “More apps” to see all installed apps. If still missing, click “Look for another app on this PC” and navigate to the program’s installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\[App Name]\[App].exe).

File type not shown in the list. In Settings > Apps > Default apps > Choose default apps by file type, scroll down—the list is alphabetical. If the extension isn’t there (e.g., .rar), it may not be registered. Use the right-click method (Method 4) instead.

Windows won’t let me select a different default. Some file types (like .exe) are locked by Windows for security. You can’t change those. For others, ensure you’re using an administrator account. If you’re on a work PC, group policies may restrict changes—contact your IT admin.

After changing default, the icon still shows the old app. This is usually a visual glitch. Restart File Explorer (right-click taskbar > Task Manager > find Windows Explorer > Restart) or reboot the PC.

Program crashes when opening files after being set as default. The app may not support that file type properly. Revert to the previous default or update the app to the latest version.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the default browser in Windows 10?

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, click the current browser under “Web browser,” and select your preferred one. If it’s not listed, click “More apps” or browse to the browser’s .exe file.

Why does Windows keep asking me which app to use?

That means no default is set for that file type. Use the right-click “Open with” method and check “Always use this app” to set a permanent default.

Can I set a default program for all file types at once?

Yes, use the Control Panel method: Control Panel > Default Programs > Set your default programs, select the app, and click “Set this program as default.” This applies to all file types that app supports.

How do I reset all default apps to Microsoft’s defaults?

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and click the Reset button at the bottom. This restores all defaults to Windows 10’s built-in apps.

What if the program I want to set as default is not installed?

You need to install it first. Download it from the official website, run the installer, and then follow the steps above. After installation, the app should appear in the default lists.

Can I set a default for a specific file extension like .txt?

Yes, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Choose default apps by file type, find .txt, and select your preferred editor (e.g., Notepad++). You can also use the right-click “Open with” method.

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