How to Change Default File Opener?

How to Change Default File Opener?

Understanding Default File Associations

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of changing default file openers, it's essential to grasp the concept of default file associations. When you double-click on a file, your operating system relies on file extensions (e.g., .txt, .docx, .jpg) to determine which application to use for opening it. By default, the operating system associates specific file types with predefined applications based on factors such as file format and installed software. However, users may wish to change these associations to utilize different applications that better suit their needs or preferences.

Reasons for Changing Default File Openers

• Preference: Users may prefer using a specific application over the default one for handling certain file types due to features, user interface, or familiarity.

• Workflow Optimization: Changing default file openers can streamline workflows by integrating preferred applications seamlessly into the file-opening process.

• Compatibility: Some applications may offer better compatibility or support for certain file formats, prompting users to switch default openers for enhanced performance or functionality.

How to Change Default File Openers on Windows

Windows offers several methods for changing default file associations, ranging from the Control Panel to the Settings app. Below, we'll outline two common approaches:

Method 1: Using the Control Panel

1. Open Control Panel: Press Win + X on your keyboard and select "Control Panel" from the Power User menu.

2. Navigate to Default Programs: In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" and then select "Default Programs."

3. Choose Default Programs: Click on "Set your default programs" to view a list of installed applications.

4. Select Application: Scroll through the list of programs and select the one you want to set as the default opener for a specific file type.

5. Set Default: Once you've selected the desired program, click on "Set this program as default" to establish it as the default opener for the chosen file types.

Method 2: Using the Settings App

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

2. Access Apps Settings: In the Settings app, click on "Apps," followed by "Default apps" in the left sidebar.

3. Choose Default Apps: Scroll down to the "Choose default apps" section and locate the file type you want to change the default opener for.

4. Select New App: Click on the current default app and choose a new one from the list of installed applications.

5. Confirm Changes: Once you've selected the new default app, close the Settings app, and your changes will be automatically applied.

How to Change Default File Openers on macOS

macOS provides a straightforward method for changing default file openers directly through the Finder. Follow the steps below to customize file associations on your Mac:

1. Select File: Locate a file of the type you want to change the default opener for in the Finder.

2. Get Info: Right-click (or Ctrl + click) on the file and select "Get Info" from the context menu.

3. Choose Application: In the Info window that appears, locate the "Open with" section and click on the dropdown menu to select a new default application.

4. Apply Changes: After selecting the desired application, click on the "Change All" button below the dropdown menu to apply the change to all files of the same type.

5. Confirmation: A dialog box will appear asking for confirmation. Click "Continue" to confirm the change, and the selected application will now be the default opener for the chosen file type.

How to Change Default File Openers on Linux

Linux distributions typically offer multiple methods for changing default file associations, depending on the desktop environment used. Below, we'll outline the process for two popular desktop environments: GNOME and KDE Plasma.

GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.)

1. Open Settings: Click on the Activities menu in the top-left corner and search for "Settings." Alternatively, you can access it through the system menu.

2. Access Default Applications: In the Settings window, navigate to the "Details" or "Default Applications" section, depending on your distribution.

3. Select New Default: Look for the file type you want to change the default opener for and click on the current default application.

4. Choose New Application: From the dropdown menu, select the desired application to set it as the new default opener for the selected file type.

5. Confirmation: Close the Settings window, and your changes will be saved automatically.

KDE Plasma (Kubuntu, openSUSE, etc.)

1. Open System Settings: Click on the application menu and search for "System Settings," then click to open it.

2. Navigate to File Associations: In the System Settings window, locate and click on the "File Associations" icon, usually found under the "Workspace" or "Personalization" category.

3. Find File Type: Search for the file type you want to modify in the list of file types and click on it to expand the section.

4. Select Default Application: Under the "Application Preference Order" tab, locate the current default application and click on it to select a new one from the list.

5. Apply Changes: Once you've selected the new default application, click "Apply" or "OK" to save your changes.

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