In the Windows operating system, "default applications" refer to the programs that are automatically used to open certain types of files or perform specific tasks. For example, your default web browser might be Microsoft Edge, or your default email application might be Outlook. Managing these default applications is essential for ensuring that your preferred programs are used for specific tasks. This article will guide you through the process of setting and changing default applications in Windows, using both graphical user interface (GUI) methods and command-line tools.

Managing Default Applications via Settings

1. Open Settings:

   • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Navigate to Default Apps:

   • Go to Apps > Default apps.

3. Set Default Applications:

   • Here, you can choose default applications for specific tasks, such as Email, Maps, Music player, Photo viewer, Video player, and Web browser.
   • Click on the application you want to change and select your preferred app from the list.

Managing Default Applications via CMD and PowerShell

While the GUI method is straightforward, advanced users might prefer using command-line tools for scripting and automation.

Using PowerShell

PowerShell can be used to query and set default applications using the Get- and Set- cmdlets. However, setting default applications directly via PowerShell requires more advanced scripting and typically involves modifying the registry or using third-party tools, as Windows does not provide direct cmdlets for this purpose.

Example: Query Default Web Browser

Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice" | Select-Object -Property ProgId

This command retrieves the current default web browser by querying the registry.

Using DISM Tool

The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can be used to export and import default application associations, which is useful for deploying settings across multiple machines.

Example: Export Default App Associations

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Run the following command to export the current associations to an XML file:

   dism /online /Export-DefaultAppAssociations:C:\defaultapps.xml

Example: Import Default App Associations

1. Use the following command to import the associations from an XML file:

   dism /online /Import-DefaultAppAssociations:C:\defaultapps.xml

This method is particularly useful for IT administrators who need to configure default applications across an organization.