Change Windows 11 default programs

Windows default programs are set for Windows apps, such as the Edge browser, when it's first installed.  The default apps can easily be changed to fit your preferences.

Windows default programs are set for Windows apps, such as the Edge browser, when it's first installed.  The default apps can easily be changed to fit your preferences. 

Are your website links opening in Edge, but you'd rather open them in Chrome?  Or are PDF documents opening in Edge, and you'd rather they open in Adobe Acrobat? 

How to set default programs

• Select the Start button, and then type Default apps.
• In the search results, select Default apps.
• Within Default apps, you can search by file type (PDF) or apps.  You can also scroll through the list of installed applications.
• Recommended options to review:
  • E-mail 
    How to video: https://app.screencast.com/vAPyZETJND0Qu
    1. Search for Outlook or scroll down and click on Outlook
    2. For each file type, be sure Outlook is selected as the default program
  • PDF viewer
    How to video: https://app.screencast.com/BAnbzmjQmhv2o
    1. Search for Adobe or scroll down and click on Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader
    2. Scroll down the list of default file types and select .pdf
    3. Set Adobe as default PDF viewer 
       • Note: Microsoft occasionally changes the default back to Edge after a major Windows update.
  • Web Browser
    How to video: https://app.screencast.com/6dxAJALRqVhsR
    1. Search for desired installed web browser and click to select it.
    2. Click on the "Set default" button in the upper right corner.

 

How to set default browser in Outlook

If links are opening in Microsoft Edge, rather than your preferred default browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.), check your Outlook settings.

 

• Open Microsoft Outlook
• Click on File, and then Options in the left menu.
• In Outlook options window, click on Advanced in the left menu.
• Scroll down to "File and browser preferences"
• By "Open hyperlinks from Outlook in", click on drop down menu and select "Default Browser"

 

Training Resources

• Microsoft Support:  Change Default Apps in Windows - Microsoft Support