Introduction
In this article, we will discuss how to add additional programs to open files in Windows 10 instead of always choosing another app. This is a common issue that many Windows 10 users face, especially when trying to open MP3 files using the default Windows Media Player (WMP).
Associating File Types with Applications
In Windows 10, file types are associated with specific applications. When you double-click a file, Windows 10 opens it using the default application associated with that file type. However, you can change the default application associated with a file type. Here's how:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Press the Windows key on your keyboard and search for "Settings." Click on the "Settings" app to open it.
Step 2: Go to Apps
In the Settings app, click on "Apps" to open the Apps settings page.
Step 3: Select Default Apps
On the Apps settings page, click on "Default apps" to open the Default apps settings page. This page displays the default applications associated with various file types.
Step 4: Change the Default App
Scroll down the Default apps settings page until you find the file type you want to change. Click on the current default app and select the new app you want to use. For example, if you want to change the default app for MP3 files, click on the "Windows Media Player" app and select a different app, such as "VLC media player."
Adding a Program to Open Files
If the application you want to use is not listed on the Default apps settings page, you can add it. Here's how:
Step 1: Go to the Apps & Features Page
In the Settings app, click on "Apps" and then "Apps & features" to open the Apps & features settings page. This page displays a list of all the applications installed on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 2: Find the App
Scroll through the list of applications until you find the one you want to use. If the application is not listed, you will need to install it first.
Step 3: Set the App as Default
Once you find the application, click on it and then click on "Advanced options." This opens the Advanced options page for the application. Click on "Set as default" to set the application as the default app for its associated file types.
Code Example: Registering a File Type with an Application
You can also register a file type with an application using the Windows Registry. Here's an example that registers the .txt file type with the Notepad application:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.txt]
@="txtfile"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\txtfile]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\txtfile\shell]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\txtfile\shell\open]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\txtfile\shell\open\command]
@="notepad.exe %1"
- Windows 10 associates file types with specific applications.
- You can change the default application associated with a file type using the Settings app.
- If the application you want to use is not listed, you can add it using the Apps & features settings page.
- You can also register a file type with an application using the Windows Registry.
References
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"How to change the default program that opens a file type in Windows 10." Microsoft Support
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"Change which app opens a file by default in Windows 10." PCWorld
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"How to set a default app for a file type or protocol in Windows 10." Windows Central