Windows 10: Win10 continually changes the default application type for file types that I have set to...

I have set Adobe Acrobat Reader DC as my default app for file type .PDF using windows system settings. This functions properly for a few hours, then windows automatically resets the default app for PDF files to Microsoft Edge. I really prefer Acrobat and it is very annoying to have to manually reset the default app type daily. Is there a way to prevent Windows 10 from changing my default app for a specified file type without my permission? I have Windows 10 Pro Version 10.0.16299 Build 16299 and the latest Acrobat PDF reader app from Adobe (version 2018.011.20055). I occasionally used Edge for other internet browsing, but would like to disable it completely because of this bad behavior. Did Microsoft really program this behavior intentionally (to not allow a user to select his default app of choice), or is there some root cause for this crazy hijacking of default programs?


I have seen posts that suggest changes to the registry to stop this repeated changing of the default app for PDF files (see example), but am a little afraid to edit the registry on my business computer. My IT department will not be happy if something goes wrong.

:)

 

app default setting by file type

Hi Richard,

We understand that you're having issues with the default file app association on your computer. To assist you with your concern, you may refer to the steps below on how to change the default setting of your application:

• In Search Windows textbox, search for choose a default app for each type of file and set .PDF and any other file extensions to point to your choice for default
  programs. Do not use Adobe Reader to set the association.
• Navigate to %systemroot%\system32 and locate the OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file. Make a backup of it just in case.
• Open the OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file and keep it open using
  Notepad.exe.
  
• Open PowerShell or CMD and run it as Administrator.
• Enter the following: Dism /Online /Export-DefaultAppAssociations:C:\AppAssoc.xml
• Open C:\AppAssoc.xml with Notepad.exe
• Copy the entire contents of AppAssoc.xml and replace the entire content of OEMDefaultAssociations.xml.
• Save OEMDefaultAssociations.xml.
• Delete C:\AppAssoc.xml (optional).

After doing the steps, you may now change the default file app association for opening .pdf.

Do update us with the outcome and if you need further assistance.

Regards.

 

setting default app by file type

How do you set the Kindle app to be defaulted to .mobi file type? I don't find the .mobi file type listed as a file type.

 

Unable to set a default app to open a particular file type on Windows 10.

Hi David,



The above issue might have occurred due to the presence of missing system files and folders on the computer.



Before we assist further, did you try setting the default file type application from system
Settings page?



Follow the steps below to set default program/application to open a particular file from system
Settings page and check if the issue is resolved.

• 
  Press Windows logo key on the keyboard, type
  Default programs and select the top most search result.
  
• 
  Scroll down the page and click on Choose default apps by file type from the window.
  
• 
  Locate the file format, click on the program which is set to open the file type and select the application you want to set from
  Choose an App window.
  
• 
  Close the window and check if you are able to open the file type in the application set as default.
  

Write to us with the status of the default application issues experienced on the PC on the same post for further assistance. Your reply is important for us to ensure we assist you accordingly.



Thank you.