File Associations in Windows 10: How to Set and Change Them

File associations in Windows 10 allow users to define which programs open specific types of files by default. For instance, .jpg files might open in Microsoft Photos, while PDFs open in Adobe Acrobat. Understanding and setting these associations can streamline your workflow, helping you open documents in your preferred applications quickly and efficiently.

What Are File Associations?

A file association is a system setting that specifies which application will be used to open a certain file type. This feature helps organize file management and saves you from choosing a program each time you open a file.

How to Change File Associations in Windows 10

There are several ways to modify file associations in Windows 10. Here are the main methods:

Method 1: Using the Settings Menu

  1. Open the Settings menu by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to Apps and select Default apps.
  3. Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
  4. Find the desired file extension in the list and select the app you'd like to use to open this file type.

Method 2: Changing the Association via the Context Menu

  1. Locate the file whose association you want to change and right-click on it.
  2. Select Open with and click on Choose another app.
  3. In the pop-up window, select the program you want to use for this file type.
  4. Check the box Always use this app to open .filetype files (for example, .txt or .jpg).
  5. Click OK.

Tips for Setting File Associations

To ensure a smooth experience, here are a few tips for managing file associations:

  • Choose applications that are well-suited to handle the file types you’re working with.
  • Regularly check associations after Windows updates, as settings can sometimes change.
  • Download applications from reliable sources, especially for opening specialized file formats.

How to Reset File Associations to Default

If you need to restore default settings after making changes, Windows 10 allows you to reset all file associations:

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
  2. Select Default apps and scroll to the bottom of the page.
  3. Click Reset to restore file associations to their original settings.