Windows 11 can associate individual file types with different applications. Change a file association through Settings and confirm that files open with the selected program.
Open Settings > Apps > Default apps, search for a file extension, and select the preferred installed application. Windows will use that program the next time you open a matching file.
Open **File Explorer** and locate a file that opens in the wrong application. Select **View > Show > File name extensions** if extensions are hidden. Note the extension displayed at the end of the filename so you can change the correct file association.
Open **Settings > Apps > Default apps**. Find the search field for file types or link types near the top of the page. Windows lets you manage associations without reinstalling or removing the applications involved.
Enter the target extension into the search field.
.txt
Select the matching file-type result. Windows will display the currently associated application and available alternatives.Select the current default application shown for that file type. Choose the program you want Windows to use, such as **Notepad** for text files. Confirm the selection if Windows displays a confirmation dialog.
Return to **File Explorer** and locate a file with the same extension. Double-click the file and check that it opens in the selected application. The new association should apply to other files of that type for your Windows user account.
Verify that the application is installed and supports the file type. Some programs must register their supported formats with Windows before appearing in default-app selections.
Return to Settings > Apps > Default apps and confirm the association for the exact extension. Check that the file does not use a different extension with a similar name.
Try opening the file directly from the preferred application using File > Open. If the format is unsupported or the file is damaged, restore its previous association and use a compatible program.
No. The setting changes which application Windows launches for supported files; it does not alter their contents.
Yes. Windows allows separate associations for different file extensions and supported link types.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/change-default-apps-in-windows
Open Settings > Apps > Default apps, search for the extension you changed, and select its previous default application. Confirm the change and reopen a sample file to verify the original association has been restored.
Free · no account needed · tracks your progress