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Reset “Always Use This App” File Association Option in Windows 11

Geeksdigit Team

August 6, 2026

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When you open a file in Windows 11 for the first time, you’re usually asked which application you want to use. If you check the “Always use this app” box before selecting a program, Windows remembers your choice and automatically opens that file type with the same application in the future. While this saves time, there may come a point when you want to change or completely reset that file association.

For example, you may have accidentally chosen the wrong app, installed a better media player or PDF reader, or simply want Windows to ask which application to use every time you open a particular file type. Although Windows 11 doesn’t provide a single button that specifically says “Reset Always use this app,” there are several reliable ways to remove or change file associations.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best methods to reset the Always use this app file association option in Windows 11. These methods range from using the Settings app to resetting all default apps, changing associations by file type, and using Command Prompt or Registry Editor for advanced situations.

What Is the “Always Use This App” File Association?

A file association tells Windows which application should open a particular file type. For example:

• .jpg files open with Photos
• .pdf files open with Adobe Acrobat Reader
• .mp4 files open with Media Player
• .txt files open with Notepad

When you check Always use this app, Windows saves that application as the default program for that file extension.

Resetting the association removes or changes that saved preference.

Method 1: Change the Default App from the Open With Menu

This is the quickest method if you simply want to replace the current default application.

1. Locate the file whose association you want to change.
2. Right-click the file.
3. Select Open with.
4. Click Choose another app.
5. Select the application you want to use.
6. Check Always use this app to open [file type] files.
7. Click OK.

Windows immediately replaces the old association with the newly selected application.

This method works well for most common file types and is the easiest solution for everyday users.

Method 2: Reset the File Association Using Settings

Windows 11 lets you manage default apps for every file extension.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Apps.
3. Select Default apps.
4. Scroll down or use the search box to find the application currently associated with the file.
5. Open the application’s settings.
6. Locate the file extension you want to change.
7. Click the existing default application.
8. Select another compatible application.
9. Click Set default if prompted.

This method provides much more control because you can manage every supported file extension from one place.

Method 3: Change the Default App by File Type

Instead of selecting an application first, Windows also allows you to manage associations by file extension.

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Default apps.
3. Use the search box labeled Enter a file type or link type.
4. Type the file extension, such as:
   • .pdf
   • .jpg
   • .png
   • .docx
   • .mp4
5. Select the displayed file extension.
6. Choose the application you want to use.
7. Confirm the selection.

Windows updates the file association immediately.

This method is especially useful if you know the exact extension you want to modify.

Method 4: Reset All Default Apps

If you’ve changed many file associations and want to restore Microsoft’s recommended defaults, Windows includes a reset option.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Select Default apps.
4. Scroll to the bottom.
5. Under Reset all default apps, click Reset.
6. Confirm the action.

Windows restores the default applications recommended by Microsoft for supported file types.

Keep in mind that this resets all default app associations, not just a single file type.

Method 5: Change the Default App from Properties

You can also modify the associated application directly from a file’s Properties window.

1. Right-click the file.
2. Select Properties.
3. On the General tab, locate Opens with.
4. Click Change.
5. Choose another application.
6. Click OK.
7. Click Apply.
8. Click OK again.

This updates the default application for that file type across Windows.

Method 6: Remove Associations by Resetting the App

If the application itself is causing problems, resetting it may restore its default behavior.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Locate the application.
4. Click the three-dot menu.
5. Choose Advanced options.
6. Scroll to the Reset section.
7. Click Reset.
8. Confirm the action.

Some applications recreate or refresh their file associations after being reset.

Not every desktop program supports this feature, but many Microsoft Store apps do.

Method 7: Use Command Prompt (Advanced)

Advanced users can inspect certain file associations using Command Prompt.

1. Open Windows Search.
2. Type cmd.
3. Select Run as administrator.
4. View an association by entering:

assoc .pdf

Example output:

.pdf=AcroExch.Document.DC

You can also view the program assigned to that file type:

ftype AcroExch.Document.DC

These commands are mainly intended for viewing existing associations. Modifying associations using the command line is limited in modern versions of Windows 11, as Microsoft protects default app settings from unauthorized changes.

Method 8: Reset File Associations Using Registry Editor (Advanced)

If a file association becomes corrupted and standard methods do not work, advanced users can remove the stored association through the Registry.

Warning: Incorrect registry changes can cause system problems. Back up the registry or create a restore point before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type regedit.
3. Press Enter.
4. Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts

5. Expand the desired file extension.
6. Delete the UserChoice key.
7. Close Registry Editor.
8. Restart your computer.

The next time you open that file type, Windows should prompt you to choose an application again, allowing you to create a new default association.

Only perform this method if the standard Settings options fail.

Method 9: Use System Restore

If incorrect file associations appeared after installing software or making major system changes, System Restore may help.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Select Recovery.
3. Click Open System Restore.
4. Choose a restore point created before the problem started.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Restart your PC.

System Restore may return file associations to their earlier state while leaving your personal files untouched.

Method 10: Create a New User Account

If only one Windows user profile has damaged file associations, creating a new profile can determine whether the issue is account-specific.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Other users.
3. Click Add account.
4. Follow the setup wizard.
5. Sign in with the new account.
6. Test the affected file type.

If the association works correctly in the new account, the original user profile may contain corrupted settings.

Why the “Always Use This App” Option May Not Work

Sometimes Windows refuses to remember your selected application. Common reasons include:

• Corrupted user profile
• Damaged file association database
• Registry corruption
• Third-party utility conflicts
• Incompatible applications
• Group Policy restrictions
• Recently installed software overriding defaults
• Corrupted application installation

Updating or reinstalling the affected application often resolves the issue.

Tips for Managing File Associations

Following a few best practices can help prevent file association problems:

• Choose the correct application the first time you open a new file type.
• Avoid installing multiple programs that compete for the same file extensions unless necessary.
• Review default apps after installing large software suites.
• Keep Windows 11 and your applications updated.
• Use the Default Apps page in Settings instead of third-party tools whenever possible.
• Create a restore point before making advanced registry changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely remove the “Always use this app” setting?

Windows doesn’t provide a dedicated button to clear the setting for a single file type. However, deleting the UserChoice registry entry or changing the default application effectively resets the association.

Will resetting default apps delete my files?

No. Resetting default apps only changes which applications open your files. Your documents, photos, videos, and other personal files remain unchanged.

Why does Windows keep changing my default app?

Some applications ask to become the default after updates or installation. Accepting these prompts changes the file association. You can always change it back through Settings > Apps > Default apps.

Does resetting all default apps affect every file type?

Yes. The Reset button restores Microsoft’s recommended defaults for supported file types, protocols, and applications across Windows 11.

Conclusion

The “Always use this app” option in Windows 11 is designed to make opening files faster by remembering your preferred application. However, if you accidentally select the wrong program or later decide to use a different one, Windows offers several ways to reset or change those associations.

For most users, the Open with menu or Settings > Apps > Default apps provides the quickest and safest solution. If you’re dealing with corrupted associations, advanced methods such as Registry Editor or System Restore can help restore normal behavior. By understanding how file associations work and using the appropriate reset method, you can easily regain control over which applications open your files in Windows 11.