How to Change File Associations in Windows

How does Windows know which app or program to use to open all the different kinds of files on your computer? It comes down to file associations. Windows associates each file type with a program capable of opening that kind of file, but you have some choice in the matter, too!

Imagine, for example, you just installed Adobe Photoshop on your PC. From now on, you want Windows to use Photoshop to open .jpg files, but currently Windows always opens .jpg files with the default Photos app included in Windows 10.

Below we’ll show you several methods of changing file associations in Windows 10 so that your files open with the application you prefer.

How to Change Windows 10 File Associations in File Explorer

One way to tell Windows which application should open a particular kind of file is through the File Explorer. In the example below, JPG files open in Microsoft Photos, and we will change the file association so that JPG files open in Adobe Photoshop.

Another Way to Change Windows 10 File Associations in the File Explorer

Windows File Explorer offers a second way to designate which program should open files of a certain type. This technique works just as well as the method above. It’s up to you to pick which way you want to do it.

Change File Associations via the Control Panel

You can also use the Control Panel to change file associations in Windows 10. Here’s how.

Changing File Associations in Windows Settings

Sometimes you might want an application to open every kind of file it can. In that case, rather than associating file types with the application one by one, you can tell Windows to use that application to open any kind of file it can handle.

For example, you might want your favoriteweb browserto open web pages, no matter what file type they are. Here’s how to do that.

That’s it! Now Firefox has an association with all the file types it can handle.

Bonus: How to View File Extensions in Windows 10 File Explorer

In a previous section, we searched for file extensions in a list. If you use that method, you’ll need to know the file extension you want to associate with a particular app.

Configuring Windows File Explorer to display file extensions in file names is quick and easy. Just open the file explorer by pressingWin+E. Then select theViewtab on the menu ribbon. Lastly, check the box next toFile name extensions.

Now you’ll be able to see the file extension for any file in that folder.

Save Yourself Some Time

By following one of the methods above, you’ll save yourself some extra time and irritation. Taking a moment to change your file associations so your files open in the applications you want is a gift you can give your future self!

Maggie Marystone is a freelance technology writer, human rights worker, and storyteller based in Chicago.Read Maggie’s Full Bio

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How to Change File Associations in Windows#

How to Change Windows 10 File Associations in File Explorer#

Another Way to Change Windows 10 File Associations in the File Explorer#

Change File Associations via the Control Panel#

Changing File Associations in Windows Settings#

Bonus: How to View File Extensions in Windows 10 File Explorer#

Save Yourself Some Time#

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