How To Change The Default Apps In Windows 11

Changing the default apps in Windows 11 is an essential process for users who want to personalize their computer experience and improve their workflow. In this guide, we will explore step-by-step how to change the default apps in Windows 11, the rationale behind doing so, and tips for ensuring that the correct apps are associated with specific file types and protocols. We’ll also cover how to revert to default settings if necessary, ensuring that you can easily manage your Windows 11 experience.

Why Change Default Apps in Windows 11?

When you first set up a Windows 11 computer, Microsoft assigns default applications to handle tasks like opening files, viewing images, browsing the web, and sending emails. These default apps include built-in Microsoft applications like Edge (web browsing), Photos (image viewing), and Groove Music (audio playback). While these default apps may work for many users, you might have specific preferences or third-party applications you prefer to use.

For example, if you commonly use Google Chrome instead of Microsoft Edge for browsing or Adobe Acrobat instead of Microsoft Edge for viewing PDFs, you would want to set those apps as your defaults. Adjusting default apps gives you greater control over your experience and lets you choose the software that fits your needs best.

Steps to Change Default Apps in Windows 11

Follow the step-by-step process below to change your default applications on Windows 11:

1. Open the Settings App

The first step in managing your default apps is to access the Settings app. There are a few ways to do this:

•    Method1: Press the `Windows + I` keys together to quickly open the Settings app.
•    Method2: Click on the Start button, located at the bottom center of your screen (or press the Windows key), and select Settings from the list of pinned apps, or search for "Settings" in the search bar.

Once you are in the Settings app, you can easily navigate to the appropriate section to change your default apps.

2.Go to the Apps Section

Inside the Settings app, you will see a menu on the left-hand side of the screen. Scroll through the options and click on Apps to open the application-related settings.

In this section, you can manage many aspects of the apps on your system, including installed apps, optional features, and most importantly, default apps.

3. Open the Default Apps Settings

Once you are in the Apps section, locate the option labeled Default apps and click on it. This will take you to a page where you can manage which apps are used to open specific file types, links, and protocols.

4. Search or Scroll for an App

At the top of the Default Apps page, you will see a search bar. Here, you can search for the app you want to set as the default. For example, if you want to set Google Chrome as the default web browser, you can type "Chrome" in the search bar.

Alternatively, you can scroll down the list of installed apps to find the app you want to modify.

5.Set Defaults by App

When you click on an app (for example, Google Chrome), a list will appear showing all the file types and link types that the app can handle. Each file type or link will display the current default app that handles it.

To change the default app for a specific file type or link type:

•    Click on the file type (e.g., `.html`, `.pdf`, `.jpg`).
•    A window will pop up showing other installed apps that can open that file type or link type.
•    Select the app you want to set as the default.

For example, if you want PDFs to open in Adobe Acrobat Reader instead of Microsoft Edge, find the `.pdf` file type, click on it, and select Adobe Acrobat from the list of options.

6. Set Defaults by File Type or Protocol

If you prefer a more granular approach, you can also set default apps based on file type or protocol, rather than by app. This is useful if you want to specify different apps for specific tasks.

To do this:

•    Scroll to the bottom of the Default Apps page, and click on Choose defaults by file type or Choose defaults by link type.
•    This will bring up a comprehensive list of file extensions (like `.jpg`, `.mp4`, `.pdf`) or link types (like `mailto`, `http`).
•    You can then assign specific apps to handle each file type or protocol, ensuring that each type of file opens in your preferred software.

 7. Reset Default Apps (Optional)

If you’ve customized your default apps and want to return to the original settings, you can easily reset all default apps to Microsoft’s recommended choices.

To do this:

•  Scroll to the bottom of the Default Apps page.
•    Click on the Reset button under Reset to Microsoft recommended defaults.

This will revert all file types and link types back to the built-in Microsoft applications (e.g., Edge, Photos, Groove Music).

Additional Considerations for Default App Management

When managing default apps, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the best experience.

1. Compatibility

Some apps might not support every file type or protocol. For example, while you may prefer to use Google Chrome for most of your web browsing, it may not support certain file types or links. Similarly, some apps might handle specific formats better than others, so it's essential to check that the app you're selecting can handle the files or links you are setting it for.

2. Performance

Choosing certain apps over others can impact system performance. For example, some lightweight image viewers may open faster than Microsoft’s built-in Photos app, which can be resource-intensive on some systems. If performance is important, consider using apps known for efficiency, like IrfanView for images or SumatraPDF for PDFs.

 3. Security

Security is another factor to consider. Some apps offer better security features, especially for handling sensitive files like PDFs or emails. Always ensure that the apps you are setting as defaults come from trusted sources and have a strong reputation for security.

 4.Frequent Updates

Certain default apps, like web browsers, need frequent updates to handle modern file types and standards. Ensure that the apps you set as defaults are regularly updated, particularly for tasks like web browsing or file management, where security and functionality updates are critical.

Common Default Apps You Might Want to Change

Here are some of the most common apps that users typically change:

1.Web Browser: Many users prefer third-party browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Brave over the default Microsoft Edge browser.

2.PDF Viewer: By default, Windows 11 uses Microsoft Edge to open PDFs. Many users prefer using Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader for advanced PDF viewing and editing features.

3.Media Player: While Windows 11 comes with Groove Music for audio playback and the Movies & TV app for video playback, users often prefer third-party media players like VLC Media Player or Media Player Classic.

4.Email Client: Windows 11 uses the built-in Mail app, but you might prefer using Outlook, Thunderbird, or another email client.

5.Photo Viewer: The default Photos app is functional but slow on some systems. Alternatives like IrfanView or XnView are popular among users for their speed and versatility.

Conclusion

Changing default apps in Windows 11 is a simple but powerful way to personalize your computing experience. Whether you're looking to use a different browser, media player, or image viewer, Windows 11 provides the flexibility to customize default apps to suit your preferences. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily adjust these settings and ensure that the apps you use most frequently are ready to go whenever you need them.

Should you ever wish to reset your changes, Windows 11 makes it easy to return to Microsoft’s recommended defaults, ensuring that you're always in control of your software environment.