Last Updated on August 23, 2026
When it comes to opening files on your computer, Windows does this automatically based on the type of file you are trying to open. If Windows didn’t do this, you would have to manually choose an app to open a file every single time. You have probably also noticed that your files have icons that match the specific program used to open them.
I am sure you have noticed that at the end of your file names, there is usually a dot or period followed by three or four letters, such as Report.xlsx. This is what is known as a file extension, and it is used specifically for Windows file associations. Windows uses these file associations to determine exactly what program to use to open a certain type of file.
For example, Windows will know that resume.docx is to be opened using Microsoft Word since .docx is the standard file extension for Word. Knowing how to control these settings gives you complete authority over your operating system.
Why You Might Need to Change a File Association
There may come a time when you want to use a different program to open a certain type of file. You may also download a new type of file that Windows simply doesn’t know how to open yet. If that is the case, you can easily change the file association to tell Windows which program to use moving forward.
This is not the same as changing the file extension for the file itself. You generally want to avoid doing that under any circumstances. If you just rename the extension, you will most likely not be able to open the file afterwards.
While some formats are safely interchangeable, like renaming a .jpeg to .jpg, changing an extension manually usually makes the file unreadable to the system. You must change the default application instead of altering the raw file structure.
How to Change File Associations Using Open With
1. Locate the Target File
The easiest way to accomplish this change is to open File Explorer and browse to the specific folder where your file is located. Find the exact document or media file you want to modify. Make sure you can clearly see the file extension at the end of the file name.
2. Open the Context Menu
Right-click the file using your mouse to bring up the Windows context menu. Hover your cursor over the “Open With” option to reveal the secondary slide-out menu. Choose a program from the expanded list to launch the file immediately.
3. Choose Another Application
If the program you want to use is not listed in that initial menu, you can click on “Choose another app” at the very bottom of the list instead. Next, you will be presented
4. Browse Your Hard Drive
You can then choose another program from the provided list or scroll down to where it says “Choose an app on your PC.” This allows you to browse your computer’s hard drive for the exact location of that program. You can manually locate the exact .exe file inside your Program Files folder.
5. Set the Permanent Default
In the modern Windows interface, you will see two options at the bottom of the prompt. These choices are “Just once” and “Always.” Selecting “Always” sets that application as the brand new default for every single file with that specific extension.
6. Revert Changes if Needed
You always want to make sure you choose a program that can actually read and open that specific file type. If you mess this up or change your mind later, you can come back to any file with that extension. Just redo the process and change the associated program again.
Managing Associations via Windows Settings
1. Launch the Settings App
If you want to see a full list of your file types in one place, you can manage them globally using the modern Windows Settings app. Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard at the exact same time to open Settings. This launches the primary configuration hub for your operating system.
2. Navigate to Default Apps
Navigate to the Apps section on the left menu pane. Then select Default Apps from the available list of categories. This specific menu controls exactly how Windows handles every single registered file format.
3. Choose Defaults by File Type
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the Default Apps page. Click on the option that says “Choose defaults by file type.” This takes you to a highly detailed master list of your system configurations.
4. Assign the Correct Program
Here you can browse through a giant alphabetical list of every extension recognized by your computer. You will see exactly which program is currently assigned to each entry. Click on any application icon to swap it out for a different installed program.
Customizing Your Windows Experience
1. Install a Third-Party Search Tool
If you are looking for a good app to help you find your files quickly so you can manage their extensions, you may want to check out Listary File Search. It is a powerful tool that integrates directly into File Explorer. This utility makes finding deep-seated files completely instantaneous.
2. Control Your Preferred Tools
You might prefer a third-party media player over the built-in Windows options. You might also want a specialized code editor for opening basic text files. Knowing how to toggle these associations ensures your computer always uses the tool you prefer. Just remember to always change the association and never the extension name itself.
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