Windows 10 is a popular operating system that offers a wide range of customization options. One of these options is the ability to set default apps for different file types and protocols. This means that when you open a specific file or click on a particular link, Windows will automatically use the app you have set as the default for that file type or protocol.
In the upcoming Windows 10 2H22 update, Microsoft is introducing a new feature that allows users to programmatically set default apps. This means that developers can now write code to set default apps for specific file types or protocols. This is particularly useful for organizations that want to enforce specific default app settings across their devices.
Why programmatically set default apps?
Setting default apps programmatically can be beneficial in several scenarios. For example, in a corporate environment, an organization may want to ensure that all devices have the same default app settings to maintain consistency and enhance productivity. By programmatically setting default apps, system administrators can enforce these settings across all devices in the network.
Additionally, developers can use this feature to streamline their application installation process. For instance, if an application requires specific default app settings to function correctly, developers can include code to set these settings during the installation process. This ensures that the application works seamlessly without requiring manual configuration from the user.
How to programmatically set default apps
To programmatically set default apps in Windows 10 2H22, developers can make use of the Windows Default Apps API. This API provides a set of methods and properties that allow developers to interact with default app settings.
Here is an example of how to use the Windows Default Apps API to set a default app for a specific file type:
var fileType = ".txt";
var appId = "Microsoft.Notepad_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App";
Windows.System.DefaultProgrammaticSwitcher.SetDefaultProgram(fileType, appId);
In the above example, we set the default app for the ".txt" file type to Microsoft Notepad. The appId represents the unique identifier for the app. By running this code, the default app for opening ".txt" files will be set to Microsoft Notepad.
Developers can also use the Windows Default Apps API to set default apps for protocols. Here is an example:
var protocol = "http";
var appId = "Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App";
Windows.System.DefaultProgrammaticSwitcher.SetDefaultProgram(protocol, appId);
In this example, we set the default app for the "http" protocol to Microsoft Edge. By running this code, all web links starting with "http://" will open in Microsoft Edge.
Conclusion
The ability to programmatically set default apps in Windows 10 2H22 provides developers and system administrators with a powerful tool for managing default app settings. Whether it is to enforce consistent settings across an organization or streamline application installations, this feature offers increased flexibility and control.
By using the Windows Default Apps API, developers can easily write code to set default apps for specific file types and protocols. This ensures a seamless user experience and eliminates the need for manual configuration.
References
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| Windows Dev Center | https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/default-programs |
| Microsoft Tech Community | https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-blog-archive/programmatically-set-default-apps-in-windows-10-2h22/ba-p/2636144 |