How to Reset and Restore Default Apps for File Types in Windows 11

Windows keeps and handles countless files daily, but using incorrect apps for them can disrupt our productivity. We can easily fix files, like PDFs in random browsers, by resetting the default apps for file types in Windows 11.

Consistent defaults are convenient, boost productivity, enforce IT standards, and simplify troubleshooting. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step methods to reset default file associations in Windows 11.

Method 1: Reset all default apps via Settings

Resetting all default apps in Windows 11 is straightforward with the Settings method.

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Default Apps:
   • Navigate to Apps > Default apps.
3. Reset Associations:
   • Scroll to the bottom, then click Reset all default apps under Related settings.

4. Confirm the action:
5. • Click Yes when prompted. This instantly reverts all file types (e.g., PDFs, images) to Microsoft’s defaults, like Edge, Photos, or Media Player.

Method 2: Restore a specific file type via Registry (.reg file)

A Registry (.reg) file can do the job of targeting specific file types in Windows 11.

1. Create the .reg file:
2. 1. Open Notepad and paste:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.ext\UserChoice]

"ProgId"="<input application here>"

1. 2. Replace .ext with the file extension you want to reset (e.g., .txt, .pdf), and input the correct application executable or ProgID in <input application here>, such as Applications\\notepad.exe for Notepad or MSEdgePDF for Microsoft Edge

Example:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.pdf\UserChoice]

"ProgId"="MSEdgePDF"

1. 3. Save as Restore-<File Type>-Default.reg (e.g., Restore-MSEdgePDF-Default.reg), then select All Files in the save dialog.

2. Apply the Registry fix:
3. 1. Double-click the .reg file, click Yes to confirm, then restart File Explorer (via Task Manager) or sign out.

Method 3: Registry cleanup for a file type (manual reset)

For specific control over individual file types, manually editing the Registry in Windows 11 can reset associations directly.

NOTE: Make sure to back up the registry to protect your system against accidental changes. You can read more about it here: How to Back Up and Restore the Windows Registry.

1. Open Registry Editor:
2. 1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
   2. Type regedit, then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor (make sure that you have administrative access to further make changes in the Registry).

2. Navigate to the File Extension key:
3. 1. Go to this address key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.ext

⚠️ NOTE: Replace .ext with your target extension (e.g., .mp3, .docx).

3. Delete the UserChoice subkey:
   1. Right-click the UserChoice folder (under the extension key), then select Delete.
   2. Confirm the action.
4. Apply Changes:
   1. Restart File Explorer via Task Manager or sign out, then sign back in. Windows will now use its default handler for that file type.

Resetting default apps in Windows 11 for smoother workflows

Misconfigured file types in Windows 11 can turn simple tasks into headaches, like a spreadsheet opening in the wrong app. Resetting default apps for file types restores order, whether you’re fixing one extension or the entire system. The Settings app offers a quick reset while .reg files and DISM handle targeted or bulk fixes.

For best results, use recommended methods in this guide, double-check ProgIDs, and test changes before deploying widely. By mastering these methods, you’ll keep workflows smooth and users productive.