How to change the default app that opens a file type

This article explains how to change the default application that Windows 10 launches when you open a file. This is useful for changing the default application that opens PDF files from Microsoft Edge to Adobe Reader.

  • Press Windows key (on keyboard) or click on windows button on the screen (bottom left)

Click on the Windows button on the screen

  • Begin typing “Default App Settings”

Type Default App Settings

  • Click on Choose default apps by file type

Choose default apps by file type

  • Scroll down to the file type you’re looking for in the left-hand column

Scroll down to the file type you want to edit

  • Click the associated application tile on the right and then select the application that you would like these files to be opened with

Select the program you'd like to use as the default

 

Print Article