Set Default Apps by File Type (PDF, JPG, MP3) in Windows 10/11 and Fix “Keeps Resetting”

Set Default Apps by File Type (PDF, JPG, MP3) in Windows 10/11 and Fix “Keeps Resetting”​

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time Required: 10 minutes
Windows lets you choose which app opens a specific file type—so PDFs can always open in Adobe Acrobat, JPGs in your favorite photo viewer, and MP3s in your preferred music player. The problem: sometimes Windows “forgets” your choices and resets them back to Microsoft recommended apps (like Edge, Photos, or Media Player). This tutorial shows how to set defaults by file type in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and what to do when your defaults keep resetting.

---

Prerequisites​

• You’re signed in with an account that can change settings (standard user is usually fine).
• The apps you want to use are already installed (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, IrfanView, VLC, Foobar2000, etc.).
• If you use a work/school PC, be aware that IT policies can enforce defaults.

---

Step-by-step: Set default apps by file type​

A) Windows 11 (22H2/23H2/24H2): Set defaults per file type​

In Windows 11, defaults are primarily controlled per extension (which is exactly what we want for PDF/JPG/MP3).

1. Open Settings
   • Press Win + I.
2. Go to Default apps
   • Click Apps → Default apps.
3. Find the app you want to use (recommended)
   • Under “Set defaults for applications,” type the app name (example: VLC).
   • Click the app to open its supported file types.
4. Assign file types to that app
   • Look for the extensions you care about and set them:
     • .pdf (PDF documents)
     • .jpg and .jpeg (photos)
     • .mp3 (audio)
   • Click each extension → choose your preferred app → Set default (if prompted).
5. Alternative: Set by file extension directly
   • In Default apps, scroll to “Set defaults by file type” (may appear as a list/search for extensions depending on build).
   • Search for .pdf, .jpg, .mp3 and set each one.

Note (Windows 11 behavior): Some apps register multiple “handlers” (e.g., “Photos” vs “Windows Photo Viewer” on older systems). Choose the one you actually want listed for that extension.

---

B) Windows 10 (1909–22H2): Set defaults by file type​

Windows 10 has a dedicated “Choose default apps by file type” view.

1. Open Settings
   • Press Win + I.
2. Go to Default apps
   • Click Apps → Default apps.
3. Choose defaults by file type
   • Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.
4. Set your file types
   • Scroll (or use the list) and locate:
     • .pdf
     • .jpg / .jpeg
     • .mp3
   • Click the app shown to the right of each extension and select your preferred app.
5. Confirm by opening a test file
   • Double-click a PDF/JPG/MP3 and ensure it opens in the chosen app.

Tip: If you only want to affect a single file type (like .pdf) without changing other associations, this method is safer than “Set defaults by app.”

---

C) Quick method (Windows 10/11): “Open with” → Always use this app​

This is useful when Windows Settings doesn’t show the app you want.

1. Right-click a file of the type you want to change (example: a .pdf).
2. Click Open with → Choose another app.
3. Select your preferred app.
4. Check Always use this app to open .pdf files.
5. Click OK.

Warning: This works well for common file types, but on Windows 11 it may not update every related association (e.g., .jpeg and .jpg separately). Make sure you set both if needed.

---

Fix: Default apps “keep resetting” (common causes + solutions)​

If Windows keeps switching PDFs back to Edge or images back to Photos, it’s usually one of these causes.

1) Your chosen app is being repaired/updated and re-registering defaults​

Some apps (or app updates) re-assert their file associations, and Windows may “validate” defaults after updates.
Try this:

1. Update the app you want (from Microsoft Store or the vendor’s installer).
2. Re-set defaults in Settings → Default apps (Windows 11: per file type; Windows 10: by file type).
3. Restart once after changing defaults to help lock in the registration.

Tip: If you just installed a new PDF reader or media player, set defaults after the installation finishes and after the first app launch.

---

2) “Reset recommended defaults” was triggered (manually or by cleanup tools)​

Windows 10/11 includes a “reset to Microsoft recommended defaults” option, and some “optimizer” utilities can also change associations.
Try this:

1. Uninstall/disable any third-party “cleanup/optimizer” tools temporarily.
2. Re-set file type defaults again.
3. Avoid using “Reset” options in Default apps unless you truly want Microsoft defaults.

---

3) You’re fighting a work/school policy (Group Policy/MDM)​

On managed PCs, IT can enforce default app associations. Your changes may revert after a reboot or sign-in.
How to tell:

• Defaults revert consistently after restart.
• Settings may show “Some of these settings are managed by your organization.”

What you can do:

• If it’s a work/school device: contact IT and ask if default associations are enforced.
• If it’s your own PC that previously belonged to an organization: disconnect work/school account under Settings → Accounts → Access work or school (only if appropriate).

---

4) The app doesn’t properly register a “default handler”​

If the app doesn’t correctly register itself for .pdf/.jpg/.mp3, Windows might not keep it.
Try this:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
2. Find the app → Advanced options (Store apps) → try Repair then Reset (if available).
3. If it’s a classic desktop app: reinstall it using the latest installer from the vendor.
4. Set defaults again.

Note: For JPG viewing, some older viewers rely on legacy handlers. Modern viewers (Photos, Paint, IrfanView, XnView, etc.) typically work best.

---

5) Corrupted system files or association database issues​

If defaults won’t stick across multiple file types and apps, Windows system integrity might be involved.
Try these built-in repairs (safe, but needs admin):

1. Right-click Start → Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run:
   sfc /scannow
3. Then run:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Restart, then set defaults again.

Warning: Avoid random “registry fixes” from the internet for default apps. Windows 10/11 protect file association hashing, and improper registry edits often make things worse.

---

Helpful tips (to avoid future resets)​

• Set both .jpg and .jpeg (and sometimes .jpe) if you work with photos from different sources.
• Use “by file type”, not just “by app,” when you only want specific extensions changed.
• After major Windows Updates, quickly re-check defaults for .pdf, .jpg/.jpeg, .mp3—feature updates can sometimes nudge defaults back to Microsoft apps.
• If you use multiple browsers: remember PDFs can be opened inside browsers, but the file association for .pdf is separate from browser settings.

---

Conclusion​

Setting default apps by file type is one of the quickest ways to make Windows feel “yours”—your PDFs open in your preferred reader, photos in the viewer you like, and music in the player you actually use. When defaults keep resetting, the fix is usually updating/reinstalling the target app, removing tools/policies that override defaults, and (when needed) running basic system repairs. Once configured correctly, your file associations should stay consistent through everyday use.
Key Takeaways:

• Set defaults by file type for precise control over .pdf, .jpg/.jpeg, and .mp3.
• Windows 11 focuses on per-extension defaults; Windows 10 offers a dedicated “by file type” screen.
• Resets are commonly caused by app updates, cleanup tools, or organizational policies—fix the cause, then reapply defaults.
• Use SFC/DISM if nothing sticks across multiple file types and apps.

---

This tutorial was generated to help WindowsForum.com users get the most out of their Windows experience.

 

[datawizard0103]

Set Default Apps by File Type (PDF, JPG, MP3) in Windows 10/11 and Fix “Keeps Resetting”​

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time Required: 10 minutes
Windows lets you choose which app opens a specific file type—so PDFs can always open in Adobe Acrobat, JPGs in your favorite photo viewer, and MP3s in your preferred music player. The problem: sometimes Windows “forgets” your choices and resets them back to Microsoft recommended apps (like Edge, Photos, or Media Player). This tutorial shows how to set defaults by file type in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and what to do when your defaults keep resetting.

---

Prerequisites​

• You’re signed in with an account that can change settings (standard user is usually fine).
• The apps you want to use are already installed (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, IrfanView, VLC, Foobar2000, etc.).
• If you use a work/school PC, be aware that IT policies can enforce defaults.

---

Step-by-step: Set default apps by file type​

A) Windows 11 (22H2/23H2/24H2): Set defaults per file type​

In Windows 11, defaults are primarily controlled per extension (which is exactly what we want for PDF/JPG/MP3).

1. Open Settings
   • Press Win + I.
2. Go to Default apps
   • Click Apps → Default apps.
3. Find the app you want to use (recommended)
   • Under “Set defaults for applications,” type the app name (example: VLC).
   • Click the app to open its supported file types.
4. Assign file types to that app
   • Look for the extensions you care about and set them:
     • .pdf (PDF documents)
     • .jpg and .jpeg (photos)
     • .mp3 (audio)
   • Click each extension → choose your preferred app → Set default (if prompted).
5. Alternative: Set by file extension directly
   • In Default apps, scroll to “Set defaults by file type” (may appear as a list/search for extensions depending on build).
   • Search for .pdf, .jpg, .mp3 and set each one.

Note (Windows 11 behavior): Some apps register multiple “handlers” (e.g., “Photos” vs “Windows Photo Viewer” on older systems). Choose the one you actually want listed for that extension.

---

B) Windows 10 (1909–22H2): Set defaults by file type​

Windows 10 has a dedicated “Choose default apps by file type” view.

1. Open Settings
   • Press Win + I.
2. Go to Default apps
   • Click Apps → Default apps.
3. Choose defaults by file type
   • Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.
4. Set your file types
   • Scroll (or use the list) and locate:
     • .pdf
     • .jpg / .jpeg
     • .mp3
   • Click the app shown to the right of each extension and select your preferred app.
5. Confirm by opening a test file
   • Double-click a PDF/JPG/MP3 and ensure it opens in the chosen app.

Tip: If you only want to affect a single file type (like .pdf) without changing other associations, this method is safer than “Set defaults by app.”

---

C) Quick method (Windows 10/11): “Open with” → Always use this app​

This is useful when Windows Settings doesn’t show the app you want.

1. Right-click a file of the type you want to change (example: a .pdf).
2. Click Open with → Choose another app.
3. Select your preferred app.
4. Check Always use this app to open .pdf files.
5. Click OK.

Warning: This works well for common file types, but on Windows 11 it may not update every related association (e.g., .jpeg and .jpg separately). Make sure you set both if needed.

---

Fix: Default apps “keep resetting” (common causes + solutions)​

If Windows keeps switching PDFs back to Edge or images back to Photos, it’s usually one of these causes.

1) Your chosen app is being repaired/updated and re-registering defaults​

Some apps (or app updates) re-assert their file associations, and Windows may “validate” defaults after updates.
Try this:

1. Update the app you want (from Microsoft Store or the vendor’s installer).
2. Re-set defaults in Settings → Default apps (Windows 11: per file type; Windows 10: by file type).
3. Restart once after changing defaults to help lock in the registration.

Tip: If you just installed a new PDF reader or media player, set defaults after the installation finishes and after the first app launch.

---

2) “Reset recommended defaults” was triggered (manually or by cleanup tools)​

Windows 10/11 includes a “reset to Microsoft recommended defaults” option, and some “optimizer” utilities can also change associations.
Try this:

1. Uninstall/disable any third-party “cleanup/optimizer” tools temporarily.
2. Re-set file type defaults again.
3. Avoid using “Reset” options in Default apps unless you truly want Microsoft defaults.

---

3) You’re fighting a work/school policy (Group Policy/MDM)​

On managed PCs, IT can enforce default app associations. Your changes may revert after a reboot or sign-in.
How to tell:

• Defaults revert consistently after restart.
• Settings may show “Some of these settings are managed by your organization.”

What you can do:

• If it’s a work/school device: contact IT and ask if default associations are enforced.
• If it’s your own PC that previously belonged to an organization: disconnect work/school account under Settings → Accounts → Access work or school (only if appropriate).

---

4) The app doesn’t properly register a “default handler”​

If the app doesn’t correctly register itself for .pdf/.jpg/.mp3, Windows might not keep it.
Try this:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
2. Find the app → Advanced options (Store apps) → try Repair then Reset (if available).
3. If it’s a classic desktop app: reinstall it using the latest installer from the vendor.
4. Set defaults again.

Note: For JPG viewing, some older viewers rely on legacy handlers. Modern viewers (Photos, Paint, IrfanView, XnView, etc.) typically work best.

---

5) Corrupted system files or association database issues​

If defaults won’t stick across multiple file types and apps, Windows system integrity might be involved.
Try these built-in repairs (safe, but needs admin):

1. Right-click Start → Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run:
   sfc /scannow
3. Then run:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Restart, then set defaults again.

Warning: Avoid random “registry fixes” from the internet for default apps. Windows 10/11 protect file association hashing, and improper registry edits often make things worse.

---

Helpful tips (to avoid future resets)​

• Set both .jpg and .jpeg (and sometimes .jpe) if you work with photos from different sources.
• Use “by file type”, not just “by app,” when you only want specific extensions changed.
• After major Windows Updates, quickly re-check defaults for .pdf, .jpg/.jpeg, .mp3—feature updates can sometimes nudge defaults back to Microsoft apps.
• If you use multiple browsers: remember PDFs can be opened inside browsers, but the file association for .pdf is separate from browser settings.

---

Conclusion​

Setting default apps by file type is one of the quickest ways to make Windows feel “yours”—your PDFs open in your preferred reader, photos in the viewer you like, and music in the player you actually use. When defaults keep resetting, the fix is usually updating/reinstalling the target app, removing tools/policies that override defaults, and (when needed) running basic system repairs. Once configured correctly, your file associations should stay consistent through everyday use.
Key Takeaways:

• Set defaults by file type for precise control over .pdf, .jpg/.jpeg, and .mp3.
• Windows 11 focuses on per-extension defaults; Windows 10 offers a dedicated “by file type” screen.
• Resets are commonly caused by app updates, cleanup tools, or organizational policies—fix the cause, then reapply defaults.
• Use SFC/DISM if nothing sticks across multiple file types and apps.

---

This tutorial was generated to help WindowsForum.com users get the most out of their Windows experience.

This looks like a graphics display glitch, not an actual cell selection issue. Since scrolling fixes it, try disabling hardware graphics acceleration in Excel under File > Options > Advanced > Display, then restart Excel. If it continues, update your Intel Arc graphics driver from ASUS or Intel directly. You can also test Excel in Safe Mode using excel /safe to rule out add-ins.

 

[ChatGPT]

Agreed — if the “wrong cell/highlight” (or torn/ghosted selection box) fixes itself when you scroll, that’s almost always a rendering/compositing glitch, not an actual selection problem.
Here’s the clean troubleshooting order I’d use for Excel on Windows 10/11, especially with Intel Arc / iGPU combos:

1) Confirm it’s only visual (fast)​

• Click a “wrong-looking” cell, then look at the Name Box (left of the formula bar) and/or press Ctrl+G → the address shown there is the real selected cell.
• If the address is correct while the highlight is wrong → it’s definitely a display issue.

2) Disable hardware acceleration in Excel (most common fix)​

1. Excel → File → Options
2. Advanced → scroll to Display
3. Check Disable hardware graphics acceleration
4. Fully close Excel (all windows) and reopen

If the issue stops here, you’re done.

3) Test Excel in Safe Mode (rules out add-ins)​

• Win+R → excel /safe

If Safe Mode fixes it, disable add-ins:

• File → Options → Add-ins
• At the bottom, Manage COM Add-ins → Go → uncheck all → restart Excel
• Re-enable one-by-one to find the culprit

4) Update (or roll back) the GPU driver​

Since you mentioned Intel Arc, do one of these paths (don’t mix vendor + Intel packages repeatedly):

• Laptop/OEM (ASUS) driver first (best for switchable graphics laptops)
• If OEM driver is old/buggy, try the latest Intel driver next

After installing, reboot and re-test Excel.
If the glitch started after a driver update, try Roll Back Driver:

• Device Manager → Display adapters → Intel → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver

5) Force Excel onto a different GPU (systems with both iGPU/dGPU)​

• Settings → System → Display → Graphics
• Add/select EXCEL.EXE
• Try Power saving (iGPU) or High performance (dGPU), whichever you aren’t using now

This can eliminate weirdness caused by hybrid graphics switching.

6) Office repair + updates (if still happening)​

• Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Microsoft 365/Office → Modify
• Try Quick Repair first, then Online Repair if needed

Also install pending Office updates:

• Any Office app → File → Account → Update Options → Update Now

7) Optional “hard off” via registry (if the checkbox doesn’t stick)​

Only if needed:

• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Graphics
  • DisableHardwareAcceleration (DWORD) = 1

Then reboot.

---

Quick questions so I can tailor the best next step​

1) Are you on Microsoft 365 Excel or Office 2021/2019 (and what Excel version/build under File → Account)?
2) GPU setup: Intel Arc only, or Intel + NVIDIA/AMD?
3) Does it happen on one monitor only (especially high-DPI/120–240Hz), or on all displays?
Answer those and I’ll tell you whether to prioritize the GPU driver path, DPI/refresh tweaks, or add-in isolation.