If your programs won’t open when you expect, the issue is usually that Default apps don’t work in Windows 10 — and the system either lost the association or the app can’t be used as the default. This article explains the common causes and gives step-by-step fixes so you can restore normal behavior quickly.
You’ll learn nine common reasons why default apps stop working and exactly what to click, run, or change — from quick Settings fixes to safe registry and PowerShell solutions.
Key Takeaway
The fastest fix is to reset default apps in Settings > Apps > Default apps and reassign the correct app; if that fails, re-register Store apps with PowerShell and run SFC/DISM to repair system files, which resolves most deeper problems.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| File associations were reset or changed | Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and reassign by file type or protocol. |
| Settings app won’t apply defaults | Use Control Panel > Default Programs or use the “Open with” context menu to set defaults. |
| App is corrupted or missing | Reinstall the app or use wsreset.exe (for Store apps) or reinstall via the Microsoft Store. |
| UWP (Store) apps not registered | Re-register apps with PowerShell: **Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers |
| System file corruption | Run sfc /scannow then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an elevated Command Prompt. |
| Windows update or version bug | Check Settings > Update & Security and install pending updates; roll back if problem started after an update. |
| Third-party software conflicts | Temporarily disable antivirus/file managers or boot into Safe Mode to test. |
| User profile corruption | Create a new user account (Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC) and test. |
| Group Policy or registry enforces defaults | Check gpedit.msc (if available) and inspect HKCU…\FileExts registry keys for locks or remove UserChoice (carefully). |
Detailed Fixes for “Default apps don’t work in Windows 10”
Below are nine detailed reasons and step-by-step solutions. Each subsection explains why the problem happens and how to fix it.
1. File associations were changed or reset
Why this causes the problem:
Windows keeps a mapping between file extensions/protocols and apps. Updates, installs, or user changes can reset these mappings so files open in the wrong app or not at all.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- To set common defaults, change Web browser, Email, Maps, Music player, Photo viewer, and Video player by clicking an entry and selecting your preferred app.
- For specific file types, click Choose default apps by file type, find the extension (e.g., .pdf) and pick the app.
- Or use the file Explorer: right-click a file > Open with > Choose another app > select the app > check Always use this app to open .xxx files > OK.
Notes:
- If the app you want isn’t listed, select More apps then Look for another app on this PC to browse to a .exe.
2. Settings app won’t apply defaults (Settings glitch)
Why this causes the problem:
Windows Settings can become unresponsive or fail to save choices due to permission or app issues.
Step-by-step solution:
- Try the legacy tool: open Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs > Set your default programs and assign defaults there.
- Restart Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select Windows Explorer, click Restart.
- If Settings is corrupted, run wsreset.exe (press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, press Enter) to reset the Microsoft Store system cache.
Notes:
- After restarting Explorer and resetting Store cache, return to Settings > Apps > Default apps to reassign.
3. App is corrupted, uninstalled, or incompatible
Why this causes the problem:
If the target app is missing or its installation is corrupted, Windows can’t launch it as the default.
Step-by-step solution:
- For desktop apps: reinstall from the vendor website and choose repair when available (Control Panel > Programs and Features > select app > Repair if provided).
- For Microsoft Store apps: open Microsoft Store > search app > click Install or Get. If it’s installed but misbehaving, click your profile > My Library and reinstall.
- Use App & Features (Settings > Apps > Apps & features) to uninstall and reinstall.
Notes:
- For critical items like PDF readers, consider well-known desktop alternatives (e.g., Adobe Reader) if Store apps fail.
4. UWP (Store) apps not registered properly
Why this causes the problem:
Universal Windows Platform apps require registration entries. If those are missing, Windows won’t offer or use them as defaults.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator: type PowerShell in Start, right-click, Run as administrator.
- Run this command to re-register apps for all users:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} - Restart the PC and reassign defaults in Settings > Apps > Default apps.
Notes:
- This can fix missing built-in apps like Photos, Mail, and Edge.
5. System file corruption
Why this causes the problem:
Corrupt system files break components that manage app associations and registration.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search cmd, right-click, Run as administrator).
- Run: sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
- If issues persist, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart and reassign defaults as needed.
Notes:
- These tools repair Windows components and are safe; they often resolve persistent or unexplained default app failures.
6. Windows update or OS bug
Why this causes the problem:
A recent update or an outdated build can introduce bugs that corrupt default app behavior.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all pending updates.
- If the problem started after a specific update, open View update history > Uninstall updates to remove the problematic update.
- For known issues, consult the Microsoft support pages or community forums for hotfixes.
Notes:
- Keep drivers updated (especially for apps that interact with hardware) via Device Manager.
7. Third-party software conflicts
Why this causes the problem:
Antivirus, file managers, or context menu utilities can intercept file associations or block apps from launching.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus/firewall. Most antiviruses provide a right-click menu on the system tray icon to disable temporarily.
- Boot into Safe Mode to test if defaults work there (hold Shift while selecting Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > choose Safe Mode).
- If the problem disappears in Safe Mode, uninstall suspect apps (Settings > Apps > Apps & features) and reinstall or replace them.
Notes:
- Don’t forget to re-enable antivirus after testing.
8. Corrupt or damaged user profile
Why this causes the problem:
If the user profile registry settings for associations are corrupted, settings won’t stick.
Step-by-step solution:
- Create a new local user: Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC > I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Sign in with the new account and test assigning default apps.
- If it works, migrate your data to the new account and retire the corrupted profile.
Notes:
- Back up files from C:\Users\
before deleting the old profile.
9. Group Policy or registry locks block changes
Why this causes the problem:
In enterprise or configured machines, admins may set policies or registry locks that prevent changing defaults. Corrupt or accidental registry entries can also lock associations.
Step-by-step solution:
- If available, open gpedit.msc (Local Group Policy Editor) and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer. Look for policies like Set a default associations configuration file and disable or clear them.
- Caution with registry: open regedit and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\<.ext>\UserChoice. If the UserChoice key is corrupted, you can delete the UserChoice key to allow Windows to recreate it.
- Restart Explorer or sign out and sign back in, then reassign defaults.
Notes:
- Editing Group Policy or Registry can affect system behavior. Back up the registry (File > Export) before changes and only delete keys if you’re comfortable.
Maintenance and Additional Tools
- Create a regular restore point: Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create before making structural changes so you can revert if something goes wrong.
- Use third-party tools like Default Programs Editor only if you understand the changes; prefer built-in Settings and Control Panel first.
- Keep a text record of any registry changes you make; note original values so you can restore them.
FAQ
What if the “Open with” option still doesn’t stick after following steps above?
Try clearing the file association cache by deleting the UserChoice key for that extension (see registry step under reason 9) or create a new user account to confirm a profile-specific issue.
Can I reset all default apps at once from the command line?
There isn’t a single safe CLI command built into Windows that resets all defaults to factory; however, you can run Settings > Apps > Default apps > Reset for the Microsoft-recommended reset, and re-register UWP apps with the PowerShell command shown earlier.
Will changing default apps affect other users on the PC?
Default app settings are per user. Global policies (Group Policy or registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) can enforce defaults for all users — check those if multiple accounts are affected.
How do I make sure a third-party app can be the default for a type (e.g., Chrome for HTTP)?
Install the app, then open Settings > Apps > Default apps and choose Set defaults by app or choose the specific protocol in Choose default apps by protocol and assign HTTP/ HTTPS to Chrome.
When should I consider resetting Windows or performing a clean install?
If you’ve tried SFC/DISM, re-registering apps, creating a new user, and removing conflicting software and the problem persists across accounts and updates, a repair install or clean install may be warranted. Use Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose Keep my files for a repair-like reinstall.
Conclusion
Default app failures are usually caused by association resets, corrupted app registrations, or system file issues and can be fixed by resetting defaults in Settings, re-registering Store apps, or repairing system files with SFC/DISM. Follow the steps above to address the nine most common causes and restore normal behavior for Default apps don’t work in Windows 10.
