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SOLVED: Can’t change Windows 10 default apps

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Changing the default app to associate with a certain type of media orfile extensionsshould be a walk in a park. However, numerousWindows 10users have had a hard time replacing the built-inappswith third-party alternatives.

It seems that the affected users can’t changeWindows 10default apps whatever they do.

If that’s the case for you, we advise you to check the steps we enlisted below. The complete resolution is in Microsoft’s hands, but these workarounds should get you going for the time being.

What to do when default apps won’t change in Windows 10

1. Set them individually from the contextual menu

This whole issue seems to be caused by Windows Update. TheAnniversary Updatehad a similar bug and it was (kind of) sorted out with the next update. The same goes for theOctober Update(version 1809).

The Control Panel approach doesn’t stand anymore, as Microsoft decided to further enforce the Settings menu. If you navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Default programs, you’ll be redirected to Settings and that’s of no use whatsoever.

So, now that we know what we can and can’t do, let’s get back to essentials and try to individually change the associatedapps.

This might take some time if you have a dozen extensions, but it’s the most reliable way to change default apps on the current build ofWindows 10.

Here’s how to do it:

2. Reinstall the app

Here’s how to reinstall a third-partyapplicationonWindows 10:

Now, using anuninstaller toolis not mandatory obviously, however it does guarantee you get the job done correctly in the first place and that no software remnants will be left behind to clutter your computer.

This type of tool will remove any leftover files and registry entries, and it can also force uninstall malicious apps.

With that in mind, just to be sure that everything is fine on your side, we suggest reinstalling that ghostapplicationwhich isn’t shown in the Defaultappssettings menu.

3. Remove and re-set your Microsoft account

Here’s how to remove and set again your Microsoft Account:

There’s only so much you can do when something as critical as this occurs. Some users were able to resolve the problem on the Anniversary Update by resetting their Microsoft account associated withWindows 10.

We can’t say with certainty whether this will work or not on the machines running the latest iteration ofWindows 10. But, it’s still worth a try.

4. Rollback Windows 10

Here’s how to rollbackWindows 10:

Finally, if none of the solutions helped you, we suggestrolling back to the previous version of Windows 10.

And on that note, we can wrap it up. In case you have any questions or similar issues to report, feel free to share them with us and other readers. The comments section is just below.

More about the topics:Uninstall issues and guides

Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.

Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.

In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.

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