You may need to change the default programs associated with certain protocols and file extensions. Most of us end up changing the default Photo Viewer, browser, etc, to another program of our choice. If you are one of those, then this post will show you how to change the default Photo Viewer in Windows 11/10.
Change default Photo Viewer in Windows 11/10
There are two methods in Windows 11/10 to set or change default programs. One is the classic Control Panel method and the other is easier – via the new Settings app. We will talk about the Settings app first and then about the Control Panel method.
The Settings app offers only a few default apps that can be changed. The list includes Video Player, Maps, Photo Viewer, Mail, Music Player, Calendar, Browser, etc. The programs or protocols are not visible. In short, the Settings app offers just a few options whereas the list in Control Panel is bigger. Using the latter, you can change default programs for a wider range of protocols or services.
Windows 10 sets the Photos app as the default Photo and Image Viewer. The example tells you how to change it to Windows Photo Viewer. You can change it to anything you want – provided the related application is installed on the device.
You may need to change the default programs associated with certain protocols and file extensions. Most of us end up changing the default PDF Viewer, browser, or Photo Viewer to another program of our choice. If you are one of those, then this post will show you how to change the default Photo Viewer in Windows 11/10.
Change default Photo Viewer via Windows Settings app
To change the default Photo Viewer in Windows 10:
- Press Win+I to open the Settings app and select System.
- Next, scroll down to Default Apps in the left pane and click on it.
- Select Photo Viewer
- You will see a list of programs that can open image file types.
- Click on Windows Photo Viewer or the one you want, save your settings and exit.
In Windows 11 to set default apps, follow these steps:
- Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
- Go to Apps > Default apps.
- Scroll down to the bottom.
- You can even choose defaults by
- Apps
- File type
- Protocol
- You can even choose defaults by
That is all you need to do. The next time the system needs to fire up a browser, it will open the default browser you set.
Change default Photo Viewer via Windows Control Panel
If the default protocol that you wish to change is not available in the Settings app, you can also use the Control Panel to change the default programs in Windows 10.
The method remains the same as it was in earlier versions. Via Win+X menu, open the Control Panel, and click on Default Programs.
Click on the first option saying Set Your Default Programs.
Control Panel will find the installed apps and programs and display the list. You will see the list of the installed program in the left pane and the right pane will contain a description of the program, along with options that let you set the program as default for files/protocols it can handle
Select the program that you wish to set as default, and then click on Set this Program as Default. This will set the program as default for files and protocols it can handle.
To make further changes to files and protocols, it can handle, click on Choose Defaults for this Program.
You will get a window that displays the list of file extensions and protocols registered by the program. Check the boxes against the files and protocols that you want the program to handle by default. Click Save to return to the previous screen and close the Control Panel
This post will help you if you receive This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action message.
