When using a Windows 10 system, you may come across the term "file association". This refers to the relationship between a file type and the program that opens it. In other words, when you double-click on a file, Windows needs to know which program to use to open it.
Default File Associations in Windows 10
Windows 10 comes with built-in default file associations, which are pre-set for common file types. For example, a .docx file is associated with Microsoft Word, while a .mp3 file is associated with Windows Media Player.
You can check the default file associations for your system by going to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Here you can see which programs are set to open which file types.
Changing File Associations in Windows 10
If you want to change the default program that opens a particular file type, you can do so by following these steps:
- Right-click on the file and select "Open with".
- Select "Choose another app".
- Select the program you want to use to open the file.
- Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .[file type] files".
- Click "OK".
Now, whenever you double-click on a file of that type, it will automatically open in the program you selected.
Problems with File Associations in Windows 10
Sometimes, you may encounter problems with file associations in Windows 10. For example, you may see an error message that says "This file type is not supported" or "Windows cannot open this file".
There are a few reasons why this might happen. One possibility is that the file type is not associated with any program on your system. Another possibility is that the program that is supposed to open the file is not installed or is not working correctly.
If you are having problems with file associations in Windows 10, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue:
- Make sure the program that opens the file is installed and working correctly.
- Check the default file associations to make sure they are set correctly.
- Try resetting the default file associations to the Windows 10 defaults.
- Use a third-party file association tool to manage your file associations.
Conclusion
File associations are an important part of using a Windows 10 system. By default, Windows comes with pre-set associations for common file types, but you can change these associations if you prefer. If you encounter problems with file associations, there are several things you can try to fix the issue.