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Windows 8 is a widely used operating system that offers various features and functionalities. One of the common challenges that users face is dealing with default program settings for opening files. When you double-click a file, Windows 8 automatically opens it with a default program associated with that file type. While this can be convenient in some cases, it can also be frustrating when you want to use a different program to open a file.
In this blog post, we will explore different methods to remove the default program to open files in Windows 8. By following these methods, you will be able to choose your preferred program for opening specific file types, giving you more control over your Windows experience.
The Challenge of Removing Default Program to Open Files in Windows 8
1. Sometimes, Windows 8 may not recognize the program you want to use to open a specific file type, and automatically assigns a default program. This can be an issue if you prefer to use a different program for that file type.
2. When you have multiple programs installed that can open the same file type, Windows 8 may choose a default program that you don’t prefer. This can be frustrating as you need to change the default program every time you want to open a file with a different program.
3. Default program settings can also be changed unintentionally by installing new software or by performing system updates. This can lead to confusion and inconvenience when trying to open files with your preferred programs.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1: How to Remove Default Program to Open Files in Windows 8 using Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Control Panel from the context menu.
2. In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" and then select "Default Programs."
3. In the Default Programs window, click on "Set your default programs."
4. A list of programs installed on your computer will appear. Select the program that you want to remove as the default for opening files.
5. Click on "Set this program as default" and then click on "OK" to confirm the changes.
Pros: This method allows you to easily remove the default program and choose another program as the default for opening files. It provides a straightforward approach for managing default program settings in Windows 8.
Cons: The process involves navigating through multiple settings windows, which can be confusing for some users. Additionally, it requires you to manually select the program you want to remove as the default for each file type.
Method 2: How to Remove Default Program to Open Files in Windows 8 using File Properties
1. Right-click on the file that you want to open with a different program.
2. From the context menu, select "Properties."
3. In the Properties window, click on the "Change" button next to "Opens with."
4. A list of programs installed on your computer will appear. Select the program you want to use to open the file.
5. Click on "OK" to save the changes.
Pros: This method allows you to change the default program for opening a specific file type directly from the file’s properties. It is a quick and convenient way to remove the default program and choose another program for opening files.
Cons: The method needs to be performed individually for each file type, which can be time-consuming if you have multiple files with different default programs.
Method 3: How to Remove Default Program to Open Files in Windows 8 using Command Prompt
1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the context menu. (Note: You need administrative privileges to perform this method)
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
assoc .file_extension=
Replace ".file_extension" with the file extension of the file type you want to change the default program for. For example, if you want to change the default program for .txt files, you would type:
assoc .txt=
3. Press Enter to execute the command.
Pros: This method allows you to remove the default program for opening a specific file type using a command prompt. It is a quick and efficient method for users comfortable with using the command line interface.
Cons: The method requires you to know the specific file extension of the file type you want to change the default program for. It may not be suitable for users who are not familiar with command line operations.
Method 4: How to Remove Default Program to Open Files in Windows 8 using Default Programs Editor
1. Download and install the Default Programs Editor from the following website: https://defaultprogramseditor.com/.
2. Once installed, open the Default Programs Editor.
3. In the Default Programs Editor window, click on "File Type Settings."
4. A list of file types will appear. Select the file type you want to change the default program for.
5. Click on the "Set Selected File Types" button.
6. Under "Programs Used," click on the program you want to remove as the default for opening files.
7. Click on the "Remove File Type Association" button to remove the default program.
8. Click on "Save Changes" to confirm the changes.
Pros: Default Programs Editor provides a user-friendly interface for managing default program settings in Windows 8. It allows you to easily remove the default program and choose another program for opening files.
Cons: The method requires installing third-party software, which may not be preferred by some users. Additionally, if not used with caution, third-party software can potentially cause system instability or security risks.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Remove Default Program to Open Files in Windows 8
If you encounter difficulties in removing the default program to open files in Windows 8, you can try the following alternatives:
1. Create a shortcut: Instead of directly opening the file, create a shortcut on your desktop and open the file using the program of your choice.
2. Open the program first: Open the program you want to use, then use the "Open" option within the program to navigate to and open the file you want.
3. Use a file manager: Install a file manager software that allows you to choose the default program for opening files. These software often provide more advanced file management capabilities compared to the default Windows file explorer.
Bonus Tips
1. Regularly review and update default program settings to ensure they align with your preferences.
2. Create system restore points before making any changes to default program settings. This allows you to revert back to a previous state if any issues arise.
3. Explore alternative file formats or program options that may better suit your needs and preferences.
5 FAQs about Removing Default Program to Open Files in Windows 8
Q1: Can I remove the default program for all file types at once?
A: No, the default program settings need to be changed individually for each file type.
Q2: Can I remove the default program permanently?
A: Yes, by removing the default program using the methods mentioned, you can permanently change the default program for opening a specific file type.
Q3: Will removing the default program affect other programs that use the same file type?
A: No, removing the default program for a specific file type will only affect the default program used when directly opening files of that type. Other programs that explicitly use the file type will not be affected.
Q4: Can I change the default program on a per-user basis?
A: Yes, each user on your Windows 8 computer can have different default program settings.
Q5: How do I restore the default program for a specific file type?
A: You can restore the default program by following the same methods and selecting the desired program as the default for the file type.
In Conclusion
Removing the default program to open files in Windows 8 can be a useful way to have more control over your file management. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily remove the default program and choose your preferred program for opening files. Remember to always make informed decisions and consider any potential risks before making changes to default program settings.