How to Associate a File Type with a Specific App on Windows 11 & 10?

With the increasing use of computers in our daily lives, even a simple user may find it necessary to change the file type of a file from one format to another. Each file format has its own set of features. Even if the content of the files is identical, the file type is essential. Changing the file type is a fundamental and uncomplicated process.

A default program is a program that Windows uses to open a specific application. For example, when you double click on a .txt file, notepad will open because the file extension .txt is associated with notepad by default. But sometimes, you may want to associate the file extension with your favorite application.

Press right-clicks to open any file extension and select the Properties option. Then, the general tab in the properties dialog box opens over the head. Then, “Type of file,” you will see a three-letter designation that is its file type. You can change the individual file type of them from one location.

This article will guide you on how to associate a file type with a specific app on Windows 11 & 10. There are two methods to re-associate the file with a favorite program on Windows 11/10. These are the following:-

• Using Control Panel
• From Context Menu

How to Associate a File Type with a Specific App using Control Panel?

Step 1. First, open Control Panel.

To do that, click on the Start button and search for it by typing its name.

Step 2. Now, ensure “View by” is set to Category and then click on the Programs.

Step 3. Then, in the resulting window, click on the Default Programs.

Step 4. After that, click on the Set your favorite programs option.

In Windows 11, now Settings app will open. You can continue in any Window.

On Windows 10

Step 5. Now, click the Default apps tab on the left side of the Settings window. Then, on the right side of it, scroll down to see the link “Choose default apps by file type.” Click on this link to open the next window.

Step 6. After that, you will see all file extensions available on your PC and the default program name with which it is associated. Click on the program name next to the file association to set your favorite app as the default program.

When you double-click on the file, that will open with your favorite default program.

That’s it.

On Windows 11

Step 5. Now, click on the installed application name you want to assign as default for any specific file type.

Step 6. Then, you will see a list of extensions of files that your application can use as the default program. Click on the specific file extension that you want to set your favorite program as the default application.

Step 7. After that, select the desired program and then click the OK button.

How to Associate a File Type with a Specific App using Context Menu?

Using Context Menu, you can quickly set a default program for a specific file type on Windows PC. Do the following steps:-

Step 1. First, right-click on the file you want to change the file association with and select ‘Open with,’ then the ‘Choose another app’ option from the pop-up menu.

Step 2. Now, in the pop-up window, you will see the default program and other app lists. If you still do not find your favorite app, click the More apps option to see even more programs list.

Step 3. Then, select your desired program through which you want to open the specific file type and then check the option “Always use this app to open files.” Click OK to apply the changes.

By default, when you double-click on that type of file, Now, it will open with your selected application. There is no need to right-click and select the desired program again and again when you want to open that type of file on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

That’s it for the article.

I hope this post will be informative to you.

Good luck, guys.

Also, read How to Add or Remove Options from the “Ctrl + Alt + Del” Screen on Windows 11/10?