How to Easily Reset File Associations in Windows 10 and 11 in 2024

Are you tired of your files opening with the wrong programs by default? Resetting file associations in Windows 10 and 11 is a simple process that can restore default app settings and fix issues with file types not opening properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to reset all file associations or specific file types and protocols to their defaults in Windows 10 and 11 in 2024.

Resetting All File Associations in Windows 10

To reset all file type and protocol associations to the Microsoft recommended defaults in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Open Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon, or by pressing Windows key I.
Navigate to Apps > Default apps.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the “Reset” button under “Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults.”
This action will reset all default applications to the Microsoft-recommended ones.

Resetting Specific File Type or Protocol Associations in Windows 10

If you want to set a default app for a particular file type or protocol, you can follow these steps:

Open Settings and go to Apps > Default apps.
Click on “Choose default apps by file type” or “Choose default apps by protocol” to reset associations for specific file types or protocols, respectively.
A list of all the file types or protocols and their current default programs will be displayed.
Click on the file type or protocol for which you want to change the default app, and then select the new program you want to associate with it.

Resetting All File Associations in Windows 11

The process to reset file associations in Windows 11 is similar to Windows 10:

Open Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon, or by pressing Windows key I.
Navigate to Apps > Default apps.
Scroll down to the bottom and click on the “Reset” button next to “Reset all default apps.”
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Click the “OK” button to confirm.
This will reset all default apps to those recommended by Microsoft.

It’s important to note that resetting file associations will not delete any files or programs from your computer. It simply restores the default app settings for opening specific file types and protocols.

If you encounter issues with file associations after resetting them, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Check if the desired program is installed and properly configured to handle the file type or protocol.
If you’re still experiencing problems, you can try manually associating the file type or protocol with the desired program using the steps outlined above.

In conclusion, resetting file associations in Windows 10 and 11 is a straightforward process that can help resolve issues with files not opening with the correct programs by default. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily restore default app settings and enjoy a smoother computing experience in 2024.