How to Change File Associations in Windows 11 Opening a PDF file only for it to open in the wrong program every time? This video will show you how to change file associations in Windows 11 to eliminate time wasted on closing and opening programs. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne's IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. What are file associations? File associations link a specific file type, like .docx or .jpg, to the program that opens them. Changing Windows 11 file associations makes your workflows seamless. For IT professionals, it also means fewer tickets to handle and happier team members. How to change file associations in Windows 11 via Settings Open the Start menu and search for “Settings,” or press Windows key + I. Click “Apps” and then go to “Default apps”. Scroll down and find the application you want to set as default. Click it to view all file types it can open. Select the file type you want to change, then click Choose a default. Pick your preferred program and click Set as default. Set Default Apps by File Type Settings, go to Apps > Default apps. At the top, type the file extension—like .pdf or .jpg—into the search bar. Click the app icon beside the file type, and choose a new default program. Change File Associations Through File Properties Set apps in bulk for multiple file categories. In the “Default app” window, scroll to the bottom. You’ll see the section “Related settings” and underneath that, click “Choose defaults by file type”. You’ll see different categories such as “Email” “Maps” or “Music player”. Select the category you want to set a default app for. Choose the new default app. If you can’t find the app you need, click on “Choose another app” to browse for it. Confirm the change and then repeat the process for other categories as needed. Gain full control of your Windows system Understanding how to change Windows 11 file associations allows you to make your workflows more streamlined and customized for your preferences, boosting productivity. For more information, check out our detailed guide and official blog post on “How to Change File Associations in Windows 11, linked in the description below.