How to Fix Common Issues With Default App Settings on Windows 10
Encountering issues with the default app settings can be a roadblock to a seamless user experience on your Windows 10 PC. Your default app settings could be reset or changed after a Windows 10 update, or you may have issues setting default apps for certain file types or protocols.
These problems can disrupt your workflow and make it challenging to use your preferred applications effectively. However, these troubleshooting tips can help you tackle these common default app issues and regain control over your Windows 10 default app settings.
1. Default Apps Changing After a Windows 10 Update
Some Windows users have reported that the default app settings are changed after an OS update. If you run into the same issue, check that your default app settings are set according to your preferences just before you start the next update.
To do so, open theSettingsapp, go toApps, and selectDefault apps. Review the app settings for each category, such as web browser, email client, ormedia player, and ensure they are set to your desired apps.
If your default app settings have been changed, and you want to reset them to the Windows defaults, click onDefault Appson theAppspage. Scroll down and click theResetbutton under theReset to the Microsoft recommended defaultssection.
To prevent default app changes during Windows 10 updates, go toUpdate & Security, and selectWindows Update.
Click onAdvanced optionsand then choose toPause updatestemporarily until you have resolved the default app issues.
By following these steps, you can regain control over your default app settings and make sure they remain intact even after Windows 10 updates.
2. Inability to Set Default Apps for Certain File Types or Protocols
It’s quite inconvenient when your preferred applications don’t automatically open the files or handle the tasks you want them to. Fortunately, there are ways to fix issues with setting default apps for specific file types or protocols.
Start by checking the file type or protocol for which you are unable to set a default app. Right-click on a file of that type, select Open with, and thenChoose another app. Select the desired app from the list of available apps and check the box that saysAlways use this app to open. ClickOKto set the default app for that file type.
If you are still unable to set a default app for a specific file type, you may use the Settings app to customize default app settings. On theDefault appspage, scroll down and click onChoose default apps by file type.
Locate the file type in question and click on the app listed under theDefault appcolumn. Then, select the desired app from the list of available apps to set it as the default for that file type.
Sometimes, certain file types or protocols may not have a default app assigned to them. To assign a default app manually, open the Start menu, click onSettings, go toApps, and selectDefault apps. Scroll down and click onSet defaults by app.
Locate the desired app from the list and click on it. You will see a list of file types or protocols associated with that app. After this, check the box next to the file type or protocol you want to assign as the default for that app.
3. Default App Settings Overridden by Third-Party Apps
Some third-party software have the ability to interact with Windows settings and preferences, and they often impose their own defaults on your PC. To prevent or resolve this issue, open theSettings appon your Windows 10 computer.
Next, navigate to theAppssection within the Settings app. Here, you’ll find a list of installed applications on your system.
Scroll down the list and locate the third-party app that is overriding your default app settings. Click on the app to expand its options.
Look for any options related to default app settings or file associations within the app’s settings. Some apps provide a specific option to disable or enable their default app behavior. If such an option is available, toggle it off to prevent the app from overriding your default app settings.
If there are no explicit options to disable default app behavior, you may tryuninstalling the third-party apptemporarily. This will allow you to observe if your default app settings are restored without the interference of that app.
Suppose the issue persists after uninstalling the third-party app. In that case, you may need to consider alternative methods, such as using theChoose default apps by file typeoption in the Settings app to set your desired default apps for specific file types manually.
4. Default Apps Not Appearing in the Start Menu or Taskbar
Having frequently used apps in your Start menu or taskbar is a great way to boost productivity and efficiency. As such, default apps not appearing on them is more than a little inconvenience.
To restore your default to the Start menu and taskbar, right-click on the taskbar and open the Taskbar settings menu. Alternatively, open the Settings app and navigate toPersonalization > Taskbar.
Next, scroll down the Taskbar settings page and click on theSelect which icons appear on the taskbarlink. This will take you to a list of available system icons and default app icons.
Ensure that the toggle switch next toAlways show all icons in the notification areais turned on. This will ensure that all default app icons are displayed in the taskbar.
Scroll further down the Taskbar settings page and click on theTurn system icons on or offlink. Here, you’ll find a list of system icons that can be displayed in the taskbar.
Ensure the toggle switch next to theClockandVolumeicons is turned on. Sometimes, disabling these system icons can also affect the visibility of default app icons.
If the issue persists, you can trycreating a new user account on your Windows 10PC and check if the default apps appear correctly in the Start menu and taskbar for the new user account. If they do, it may indicate that there is a problem specific to your user account.
In such cases, you may need to troubleshoot your user account or considermigrating your data to the new user account. This would help you address the issue of default apps not appearing in the Start menu or taskbar on your PC.
Embracing Accessibility Options for an Enhanced Windows 10 Experience
Mastering the customization of default app settings on Windows 10 is crucial for personalized and efficient computing. By troubleshooting common issues and understanding how to manage default apps, you are a step closer to unlocking the potential of the accessibility features on Windows 10 PCs.
The Windows Accessibility tools help people with a variety of disabilities every day. Here’s a quick overview of all the tools.
My foolproof plan is to use Windows 10 until 2030, with the latest security updates.
Not Linux, not Windows. Something better.
Lose your laptop without this feature, and you’ll wish you had turned it on.
The fix was buried in one tiny toggle.
Freeing up vital memory on Windows only takes a moment, and your computer will feel much faster once you’re done.
