There are quite a few file types that come under a heading. Consider, for example, the category image files, such as .jpg, .gif, .png and so on. By default, Windows 10 as a category in its entirety linked to one program. In this example Photos. You can adjust!
We will stick to the example regarding image files in this article. But the procedure for linking another program or app to other file formats is the same. In short: suppose that as a graphic file viewer you have installed the versatile IrfanView, and you want – logically – to use the sleek and fast tool for viewing all your graphic files. And to throw overboard the Windows standard app Photos – a bit slower in use as a viewer. Then you can.
In theory, you even get that option during the installation of IrfanView (just like, for example, a media player offers you the option to link all supported file types to that tool). That seems to be going well, for a moment. After that, Windows 10 will whine and reset all links back to the default program set. In order to get rid of that hassle, you have to go another way.
Choose your favorite program
On the Start menu, click Settings and then in the window that opens Apps. Then click in the column on the left Standard apps. As mentioned, in this example we want all graphic files to be opened by the now installed IrfanView after a double click in the Explorer. To realize that, click on the right Photos, under the heading Photo viewer. In the selection menu Choose an app then click IrfanView (or any other viewer you’d like to use). Wait a few seconds and from now on, every double click on a photo file will be rewarded with opening it in IrfanView.
You also see that the default program has indeed been changed to that viewer. And once you have walked this way, Windows 10 will no longer whine about incorrect links and problems caused by them.
And if you want to open an image (or other file type) in another program, you can right-click on it in the Explorer. Click in the opened context menu below Open with for the desired software. Click on More apps, you can also browse directly to an app on your disk. Select the check box for the option Always use this app to open .xxx files (where .xxx stands for the selected file type, for example .jpeg), then link this one specific file format permanently to the chosen program.
