Default app setting keeps changing back
Restart the computer after changing the default app. The change does not stick without a restart. If it still reverts, disable auto-launch features in other apps that are fighting to be default.
Default apps keep reverting because another app is forcibly changing the setting back, you don't have admin rights, or a restart didn't happen after the change. Common culprits: competing browsers, email clients, or PDF viewers all trying to be default. The fix is to identify which app is fighting for default, disable its auto-launch setting, restart, and try again.
- ✓Did you restart after changing the default app? If not, do that first
- ✓Make sure you have admin rights to change system settings
- ✓Think about what other apps want to be default (other browsers, email clients, PDF readers)
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Changing the setting then not restarting. Changes don't stick without a restart
- Blaming the OS for a bug when actually another app is changing it back
- Not disabling auto-launch in all competing apps, just some of them
Signs you need professional help
- Default app keeps reverting despite disabling other apps and restarting You suspect malware is resetting defaults Work computer has Group Policy restrictions you can't change
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