Windows uses file associations to determine what program to use to open a certain type of file. For example, Windows will know that resume.doc is to be opened using Microsoft Word since .doc is the file extension for Word.
There may come a time when you want to use a different program to open a certain type of file or you may also have a type of file that Windows doesn't know how to open. If that's the case then you can change the file association or in other words, change the program Windows uses to open that type of file.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to open Windows Explorer or My Computer and browse to where your file is located. Then you can right click the file and choose Open With and then Choose Program (may not be shown). In earlier versions of Windows you may need to hold down the shift key while right clicking to get the Open With menu option.
Next you will be presented with an Open With dialog box.
Within the list you have programs that Windows recommends to open the file, other programs installed on your computer or you can choose which program to use by clicking on the browse button. You can then browse to the executable (.exe) of the program you wish to open the file with. If you check the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file checkbox then Windows will use that program as the default for opening that type of file.
Related Tips:
Searching For Files and Folders
Fixes For Missing Windows System Files
Displaying Hidden File Extensions in Windows
Windows File Management
Back to the Windows Tips Index
