Each type of file in the operating system of the computer is associated with an application that starts when you double-click on the file and starts working with it. Such a program is called the "default application" for this type of file system object. Assigning a file to another program is fairly easy on modern operating systems.
Instructions
Step 1
The easiest way to change the program that should run files of one type or another is through the Explorer context menu, so start by launching this application. This can be done by clicking on the icon pinned to the taskbar, using the "hotkeys" Win + E (this is a Latin letter), double-clicking on the "Computer" shortcut on the desktop, and in many more ways.
Step 2
In the program interface, navigate to the storage location of the desired file and right-click on it to bring up the context menu. If the file is stored directly on the desktop, then this can be done without launching "Explorer". The line that you need in the menu is "Open with". When you hover the mouse pointer over it, a list with a set of programs appears, ending with the item "Select a program" - activate this item.
Step 3
In the window that opens, the list of applications is divided into two groups. If in the first of them - "Recommended programs" - there is an object you need - select it. Otherwise, open the second list by clicking on the inscription "Other programs" (by default, it is minimized) and find the required program. If it is not there either, click on the "Browse" button and find the executable file of the application using the standard file search dialog that opens.
Step 4
Having selected the new "default application" by any of the methods described in the previous step, make sure that the checkbox is set in the "Use the selected program for all files of this type" field. Then click the OK button and the operation will be completed. After that, as a rule, the icon image for all files with the same extension is changed.
Step 5
Another way to change the default program can be used in recent Windows versions. Press the Win key and type "type" on the keyboard. In the main menu that opens, a list of applications will appear, in which you need to select the line "Purpose of the program to open files of this type."
Step 6
Wait until the list of file types and programs associated with them is completed in a new window. Then find the required extension in the left column of the table, select its line and click on the "Change program" button. After that, the dialog described in the third step will appear, in which you need to carry out the actions described in the same step.
