Before you start
- Windows 11
- The app you want installed
Method 1 Set an app as default for everything it supports
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Step 1: Open Default apps
Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
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Step 2: Find the app
Search or scroll to the app, for example Google Chrome, VLC or Adobe Acrobat, and click it.
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Step 3: Click Set default
Click Set default at the top. The app becomes the default for all the link types and file types it supports.
Method 2 Choose an app for one file type
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Step 1: Find the file type
In Settings > Apps > Default apps, type the extension in Set a default for a file type or link type, for example .pdf, .jpg or .mp4.
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Step 2: Pick the app
Click the current app under the extension and choose a new one, then Set default.
Method 3 Use Open with on a file
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Step 1: Right-click the file
Right-click a file and choose Open with > Choose another app.
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Step 2: Pick and choose Always
Select the app and click Always. Every file of that type now opens with it.
Troubleshooting
Windows switches back to Edge or Photos
Some updates reset defaults. Set them again, and make sure the app itself is up to date.
Links from Widgets or Search still open in Edge
Some Windows features use Edge regardless of your default browser outside the EU. That’s a Windows limitation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset all defaults?
At the bottom of Default apps, click Reset to restore Microsoft’s defaults.
Can I set different defaults for each user?
Yes. Default apps are set per Windows user account.
Summary
Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, choose an app and click Set default, or pick an app for a single file type. Right-click a file > Open with > Always is the quickest shortcut.
