How to Change the Program That Opens a File
In today’s digital age, it’s common to have multiple programs installed on your computer for various tasks. One of the most frequent activities is opening files, whether it’s documents, images, or videos. However, sometimes the default program that opens a specific file type may not be the most convenient or efficient choice. In this article, we will discuss how to change the program that opens a file on both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Understanding Default Programs
Before diving into the steps to change the program, it’s essential to understand what a default program is. A default program is the software that your computer automatically uses to open a particular file type. For example, when you double-click on a .docx file, Microsoft Word is typically the default program that opens it. This setting can be changed, allowing you to select a different program that may better suit your needs.
Changing the Default Program on Windows
To change the default program on Windows, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the file you want to change the default program for.
2. Select “Open with” from the context menu.
3. Choose “Choose another app” from the options provided.
4. In the “How do you want to open this file?” window, select the program you want to use from the list or click “More apps” to search for a specific program.
5. Check the box that says “Always use this app to open .XYZ files (or .XYZ file type)” if you want to set this program as the default for all files of that type.
6. Click “OK” to save your changes.
Changing the Default Program on macOS
On macOS, changing the default program is a bit more straightforward:
1. Right-click (or Control-click) on the file you want to change the default program for.
2. Select “Open With” from the context menu.
3. Choose the program you want to use from the list of available applications.
4. If you want to set this program as the default for all files of that type, click the “Open” button and then select “Always Open With” from the prompt.
Using Third-Party Tools
In some cases, you may want to use a third-party tool to manage default programs on your computer. Tools like Default Programs or Default Programs Editor can provide more advanced options and make it easier to manage multiple default programs.
Conclusion
Changing the program that opens a file on your computer can be a simple and effective way to improve your workflow. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily switch between different programs for specific file types and customize your computing experience to suit your preferences.
