Each file in your Windows operating system has an extension in its filename eg. .txt, .doc, etc. These extensions are used to identify the program, with which, windows can open this file. You can set or change these file associations in your Windows. In windows XP you had this setting to change file type associations in Folder Options. In Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista you don’t see it there, though.
Change file associations
To set File Associations in Windows 8 | 7, Open Control Panel > Control Panel Home > Default Programs > Set Associations. Select a file type in the list and click Change Program.
You will be displayed a list of Programs along with a Description and the Current Default. You can click on the Change program to set or change the current defaults.
Alternatively, you can also right-click the file whose association you want to change > Properties > General tab > Type Of File > Change > Choose a program from the list or recommended or other programs or else click Browse to select one.
If you wish, you can also set, reset, change File Associations & extensions easily with freeware.
Types is a free and lightweight configuration utility for Windows that allows you to edit program associations, icons, context menus and other properties of various file types displayed in Windows Explorer.
It is a worthwhile replacement to the inbuilt Windows file type utility.
File association fix Windows 7
If you wish to fix file associations easily, you may want to check out our freeware File Association Fixer.
Go here if you are unable to Change Default Program Extension on Windows.
Post ported from WinVistaClub.com and updated and posted here.
