What's Actually Going On?

  • Symptom: Files open with wrong program.
  • Cause: Software install changed defaults.
  • Risk level: Low

Fix via Settings

  • Press Win + X
  • Click Settings - Apps - Default apps
  • Select file type / Search at the top, eg (.txt)
  • Choose correct application
  • Click Set default

Advanced Reset


dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

What You Should Not Do

  • Edit registry manually - easy to break things
  • Install file association "fix tools" - often unnecessary

Final Thoughts

Most file association problems are simple default setting issues.