Default apps control which program opens a given file type or protocol, preventing surprises when launching documents, media, or links from email and chat. Keeping these associations consistent reduces friction in daily work and avoids accidentally opening sensitive files in the wrong tool.
In Windows 11, defaults are stored as per-type associations for file extensions (like .pdf) and link/protocol handlers (like mailto or https). The Settings app exposes these mappings through the Default apps page, where each type can be assigned to an installed application that declares support for it.
Some formats require separate changes for closely related extensions (for example .htm and .html), and managed devices may enforce defaults via policy. If the desired application is not installed, Windows may offer a Microsoft Store suggestion instead of applying the change.
Methods to change default apps in Windows 11:
Steps to change default apps via Windows 11 Settings:
The Settings method sets the system default for a specific file extension or protocol.
- Open the Start menu.
- Select Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Select Default apps.
- Enter the file extension or protocol in the Search for a file type or link type field.
Use .pdf or mailto to jump directly to the matching association.
- Select the file type or protocol from the results.
- Select the current default application entry.
- Select the desired application from the list.
Repeat the same assignment for related extensions to keep similar formats opening in the same application.
- Open a matching file to confirm the new default application launches.
Steps to change default apps via the "Open with" context menu:
The context menu method changes the default for the file type of a specific file.
- Open File Explorer.
- Select a file of the target type.
- Open the context menu for the file.
- Select Open with → Choose another app.
- Select the desired application.
- Enable Always use this app to open .ext files.
- Select OK.
Changing the default this way applies to the selected file type only.
- Open the same file type again to confirm it launches in the selected application.
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a cloud architect with deep roots in software development and open-source advocacy. Certified in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, he specializes in designing and managing robust cloud and on-premises infrastructures.
