Set or Change File Associations & Extensions in Windows 11/10

Each file in your Windows operating system has an extension in its filename, eg. .txt, .doc, etc. These extensions are used to identify the program, with which, windows can open this file. You can set or change these file associations in your Windows 11 or Windows 10 OS. 

Change file associations in Windows 11/10

1] Using Settings

In later versions of Windows 10, you will have to do the following to change File Associations & Extensions:

1. Open Windows 10 Settings
2. Select Apps
3. Click Default apps
4. Scroll down and click on the blue Choose default apps by file type link.
5. Make your changes here.

You can even choose default apps by file type or protocol and set defaults by the app.

To choose default apps by file type in Windows 11, do the following:

• Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
• Go to Apps > Default apps.
• Click the Choose defaults by file type option.
• Select a file type or extension.
• Choose an app you want to set as default.

TIP: This post will help you if you cannot associate a File Type with a Program.

2] Using File Properties

You can also right-click the file whose association you want to change > Properties > General tab > Type Of File > Change > Choose a program from the list or recommended or other programs or else click Browse to select one.

Read: Cannot change default app by File Type in Windows

3] Via File Explorer

Select the file in Explorer, right-click on it, select Open with, and choose the program or select Choose another app as required.

Read: How do you want to open this file keeps popping up

4] Using Control Panel

To set File Associations in Windows 10/8/7 using Control Panel:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Click Control Panel Home
3. Select Default Programs
4. Click Set Associations
5. Select a file type in the list and click Change Program.

You will be displayed a list of Programs along with a Description and the Current Default. You can click on the Change program to set or change the current default programs.

Read: Cannot change default app by File Type in Windows

5] Using freeware Types

If you wish, you can also set, reset, change File Associations & extensions easily with this freeware.

Types is a free and lightweight configuration utility for Windows that allows you to edit program associations, icons, context menus and other properties of various file types displayed in Windows Explorer.

It is a worthwhile replacement for the inbuilt Windows file type utility.

Read: How to remove File Type Associations using Registry Editor

File association fix Windows

If you wish to fix file associations easily, you may want to check out our freeware File Association Fixer. Go here if you are unable to change the Default Program Extension. This post will help you fix broken EXE file associations.

You can also configure, export, import App File Associations in Windows using Settings and DISM Tool. This post will show you how to reset all File Associations to default in Windows.