Setting your default programs is a simple way to make sure your computer is using the right programs for each file type, and that it’s displaying and responding in the way you want it to.
First, open the “Settings” window. You can do this by searching for “Settings” in the Cortana search bar (Windows 10) or Start menu (Windows 8 and 7). Once the Settings window is open, select “System.”
In the System settings panel, select “Default apps” from the left navigation bar. This will open the “Choose default apps” panel. Here, you’ll be able to set which programs you want to open certain file types and protocols.
For example, if you want Microsoft Word to be your default program for .docx files, scroll down to the “Word Processor” section, click the “+” sign, then select Microsoft Word from the list. The next time you open a .docx file, it will open in Word instead of another program.
You can set your defaults for File Explorer, Web Browser, Maps, Music Player, Video Player, Email, Calendar and Photo Viewer in the same way. Just select the appropriate option from the list, and you’re good to go. Note that you can only set one default program for each file type or protocol.
If you don’t see the program you want to use listed in the options, you can add it by clicking the “Add a program” button. This will open the “Open with” dialog box, where you can select the program you want to use. Once you’ve made your selection, click “OK” and the program will be added to the list of available options.
The “Choose default apps” panel also allows you to reset all your default programs at once. To do this, click on the “Reset” button at the bottom of the page. This will reset all your default programs to their original settings, so you can start again with a clean slate.
Once you’ve finished setting your default programs, you can close the Settings window and you’re all done! Now, when you open any file or protocol, the correct program should launch automatically.