How to Change the Program a File Opens With

This is a step-by-step guide for changing the programs that are used to open different file types. For example, you may have a .mp3 file that opens with Windows Media Player that you would like iTunes to open. Some programs ask you each time but not always.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows
• File type

1. On your desktop or in your start menu, open My Computer.

2. Go to Tools -> Folder Options.

3. Click on the tab titled, "File Types".

4. Scroll through the list until you find the extension that you are looking for. For example, if you wanted to change the program that opens MP3 files, you would scroll down to MP3.

5. Single-click on the extension to highlight the file type that you have chosen.

6. Under the details section, you will see "Opens with:" followed by the current program set to open the file type you have chosen.

7. Click the Change button to change the program. Some commonly used programs are populated in the list. After choosing the program by single-clicking and highlighting it, click OK. Then click Close. That's it! If you cannot find the program in the list, you will have to find the program on your PC by using the browse button. You can find the location of any software program by right-clicking on its icon, and choosing properties. The location is in the box labeled "Target".