Changing the “Open With” option on your computer allows you to choose which application or program you want to use to open a specific file type. This can be particularly useful when you have multiple applications installed on your computer that can open the same type of file, and you want to specify which one should be used by default. In this article, we will explore the steps to change the “Open With” option on different operating systems, including Windows and macOS.
Understanding the Open With Option
The “Open With” option is a feature that allows you to select which application or program you want to use to open a specific file type. This option is usually available when you right-click on a file and select “Open With” from the context menu. The “Open With” option is useful when you have multiple applications installed on your computer that can open the same type of file, and you want to specify which one should be used by default.
Why Change the Open With Option?
There are several reasons why you may want to change the “Open With” option. For example, you may have installed a new application that you prefer to use to open a specific file type, or you may want to use a different application to open a file type because the default application is not compatible with the file. Additionally, changing the “Open With” option can help you to increase productivity by allowing you to use the application that you are most familiar with to open a specific file type.
How to Change the Open With Option on Windows
To change the “Open With” option on Windows, follow these steps:
To change the default application for a specific file type on Windows, you can use the Default Programs feature. This feature allows you to specify which application you want to use to open a specific file type. To access the Default Programs feature, go to the Control Panel and click on “Default Programs.” Then, click on “Set your default programs” and select the application you want to use to open a specific file type.
Alternatively, you can also change the “Open With” option by right-clicking on a file and selecting “Open With” from the context menu. Then, select “Choose another app” and select the application you want to use to open the file. You can also check the box next to “Always use this app to open
Using the File Explorer
You can also change the “Open With” option using the File Explorer. To do this, open the File Explorer and navigate to the file you want to change the “Open With” option for. Then, right-click on the file and select “Open With” from the context menu. Select “Choose another app” and select the application you want to use to open the file. You can also check the box next to “Always use this app to open
Changing the Open With Option on macOS
To change the “Open With” option on macOS, follow these steps:
To change the default application for a specific file type on macOS, you can use the Get Info feature. This feature allows you to specify which application you want to use to open a specific file type. To access the Get Info feature, select the file you want to change the “Open With” option for and press Command + I. Then, click on the “Open With” dropdown menu and select the application you want to use to open the file.
Alternatively, you can also change the “Open With” option by right-clicking on a file and selecting “Open With” from the context menu. Then, select “Other” and select the application you want to use to open the file. You can also check the box next to “Always Open With” to set the application as the default for that file type.
Using the LaunchServices
You can also change the “Open With” option using the LaunchServices feature. This feature allows you to specify which application you want to use to open a specific file type. To access the LaunchServices feature, go to the Applications/Utilities folder and open the “Terminal” application. Then, type the following command: defaults write com.apple.LaunchServices LSHandlers -array-add ‘
Resetting the Open With Option
If you want to reset the “Open With” option to its default setting, you can do so by deleting the LaunchServices preferences file. To do this, go to the Applications/Utilities folder and open the “Terminal” application. Then, type the following command: defaults delete com.apple.LaunchServices. This will reset the “Open With” option to its default setting.
Best Practices for Changing the Open With Option
When changing the “Open With” option, there are several best practices you should follow. First, make sure you choose the correct application to open the file type. Choosing the wrong application can result in the file not opening correctly or not opening at all. Second, make sure you test the application after changing the “Open With” option to ensure it works correctly. Finally, make sure you document the changes you make to the “Open With” option so you can easily revert back to the default setting if needed.
In terms of SEO, it’s worth noting that changing the “Open With” option can have an impact on your website’s search engine rankings. For example, if you change the “Open With” option for a file type that is commonly used on your website, it could affect how search engines crawl and index your website. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider the potential impact on your website’s search engine rankings before making any changes to the “Open With” option.
| Operating System | Steps to Change Open With Option |
|---|---|
| Windows | Go to Control Panel, click on Default Programs, and select the application you want to use to open a specific file type |
| macOS | Select the file, press Command + I, and click on the Open With dropdown menu to select the application you want to use to open the file |
In conclusion, changing the “Open With” option is a simple process that can be done on both Windows and macOS. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change the default application for a specific file type and increase productivity by using the application that you are most familiar with to open a specific file type. Remember to always choose the correct application and test the application after changing the “Open With” option to ensure it works correctly.
What is the “Open With” option and how does it work?
The “Open With” option is a feature that allows users to choose which application or program to use when opening a specific file type. This option is usually available when right-clicking on a file or selecting a file and then clicking on the “Open With” option from the context menu. The “Open With” option provides a list of installed applications that can open the selected file type, and users can choose the desired application from this list. This feature is useful when a user has multiple applications installed that can open the same file type, and they want to specify which application to use by default.
The “Open With” option works by storing the user’s preferences in the operating system’s registry or configuration files. When a user selects an application from the “Open With” list, the operating system updates the registry or configuration files to associate the selected application with the file type. This association is then used to determine which application to launch when the user double-clicks on a file of the same type in the future. The “Open With” option can be changed at any time, allowing users to switch between different applications or update their preferences as needed.
How do I change the “Open With” option for a specific file type?
To change the “Open With” option for a specific file type, users can right-click on a file of that type and select the “Open With” option from the context menu. This will display a list of installed applications that can open the file type. Users can then select the desired application from this list, and the operating system will update the association for that file type. Alternatively, users can also change the “Open With” option from the file’s properties dialog box. To do this, users can right-click on the file, select “Properties,” and then click on the “Change” button next to the “Opens with” field.
The “Change” button will display a list of installed applications that can open the file type, and users can select the desired application from this list. Once the user selects a new application, the operating system will update the association for that file type, and the new application will be launched when the user double-clicks on a file of the same type in the future. It’s worth noting that some operating systems may have slightly different steps or procedures for changing the “Open With” option, so users may need to consult their operating system’s documentation or help resources for specific instructions.
Can I set a default application for all file types of a certain category?
Yes, users can set a default application for all file types of a certain category. For example, a user can set a default application for all image files, all video files, or all text files. To do this, users can usually access the operating system’s settings or control panel and look for the “Default Programs” or “Default Applications” section. From here, users can select the category of file types they want to set a default application for and then choose the desired application from a list of installed options.
Setting a default application for all file types of a certain category can be convenient for users who work with a specific type of file frequently. For example, a graphic designer may want to set a default application for all image files, so they can quickly open and edit images without having to specify the application each time. Similarly, a video editor may want to set a default application for all video files, so they can easily open and edit videos without having to navigate through a list of applications. By setting a default application for all file types of a certain category, users can streamline their workflow and improve their productivity.
How do I reset the “Open With” option to its default setting?
To reset the “Open With” option to its default setting, users can usually access the operating system’s settings or control panel and look for the “Default Programs” or “Default Applications” section. From here, users can select the file type they want to reset and then click on the “Reset” or “Restore Defaults” button. This will restore the default application association for that file type, and the operating system will use the original default application to open files of that type.
Resetting the “Open With” option to its default setting can be useful if a user has made changes to the application associations and wants to revert back to the original settings. For example, if a user has installed a new application and set it as the default for a certain file type, but then decides they prefer the original default application, they can reset the “Open With” option to its default setting. Additionally, resetting the “Open With” option can also help resolve issues where the wrong application is launching when a user tries to open a file, or where the application association has become corrupted.
Can I change the “Open With” option for multiple files at once?
Yes, users can change the “Open With” option for multiple files at once. To do this, users can select multiple files of the same type by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on each file, or by using the Shift key to select a range of files. Once the files are selected, users can right-click on one of the files and select the “Open With” option from the context menu. This will display a list of installed applications that can open the file type, and users can select the desired application from this list.
Changing the “Open With” option for multiple files at once can be a time-saving feature for users who need to work with large numbers of files. For example, a user may need to open multiple image files in a graphics editor, or multiple video files in a video editing application. By selecting all the files at once and changing the “Open With” option, users can quickly and easily open all the files in the desired application, without having to repeat the process for each individual file. This feature can be especially useful for users who work with large datasets or collections of files.
How do I add a new application to the “Open With” list?
To add a new application to the “Open With” list, users can usually access the operating system’s settings or control panel and look for the “Default Programs” or “Default Applications” section. From here, users can click on the “Add” or “New” button to add a new application to the list. Users will then need to browse to the location of the application’s executable file and select it. The application will then be added to the “Open With” list, and users can select it as the default application for a specific file type.
Adding a new application to the “Open With” list can be useful if a user has installed a new application that is not currently listed in the “Open With” options. For example, if a user has installed a new image editing application, they may want to add it to the “Open With” list so they can easily open image files in that application. By adding the new application to the list, users can quickly and easily access it from the “Open With” menu, without having to navigate to the application’s location on their computer. This can help streamline the user’s workflow and improve their productivity.
Can I remove an application from the “Open With” list?
Yes, users can remove an application from the “Open With” list. To do this, users can usually access the operating system’s settings or control panel and look for the “Default Programs” or “Default Applications” section. From here, users can select the application they want to remove and click on the “Remove” or “Delete” button. The application will then be removed from the “Open With” list, and users will no longer be able to select it as the default application for a specific file type.
Removing an application from the “Open With” list can be useful if a user no longer uses the application or if it is no longer installed on their computer. For example, if a user has uninstalled an application, they may want to remove it from the “Open With” list to avoid confusion or errors. By removing the application from the list, users can help keep their “Open With” options organized and up-to-date, and ensure that they are only presented with relevant and useful options when opening files. This can help improve the overall user experience and reduce frustration.