File Format & Compatibility

How to Disable 'Always Open Attachments of This Kind' in Windows

Camila Milosovich Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user accidentally configured Windows to always open a specific type of email attachment with the wrong application and needs to revert or change this setting.

How to Disable 'Always Open Attachments of This Kind' in Windows

Product: Windows
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Opening downloaded files or email attachments
Observed behavior: Attachments automatically open in an unintended application because the 'always use this app' option was accidentally checked.

Before you start

Before modifying your system settings, save a copy of the problematic email attachment to your local hard drive so you can safely test the new file associations.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Default Application via Windows Settings

Use the Windows Default apps menu to precisely locate the file extension and reassign it to your preferred software.

This is the most reliable method to fix file association errors across the entire Windows operating system. It ensures that all future attachments of that specific format will open correctly.

Open Windows Settings

Click the Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings, or simply press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard.

Navigate to Default Apps

Click on 'Apps' from the main Settings menu, then select 'Default apps' from the left-hand sidebar.

Modify by File Type

Scroll down and click the link that says 'Choose default apps by file type'. Scroll through the list to find the specific file extension (e.g., .pdf, .docx).

Select a New Application

Click on the currently assigned application next to the file extension, then choose the correct application from the pop-up list.

Change the Default Application via Windows Settings

Changes Applied Immediately: Once selected, the new default application will automatically apply to all downloaded attachments of that file type.

Solution 2

Use the 'Open With' Command on a Local File

A quick alternative method to change the default program by using a locally saved file's right-click context menu.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Set WPS Office as Your Default for Document Attachments

If your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF attachments are opening in the wrong programs, WPS Office provides an all-in-one, lightweight solution to handle them seamlessly.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and complete the setup process.
2. Set as Default: During installation, check the option to set WPS Office as the default program for document and PDF files.
3. Open Attachments: Double-click your email attachments to instantly open them in WPS Office.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTXBuilt-in PDF reader so attachments never default to your web browserLightweight architecture ensures large email attachments open quicklyFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset all default apps back to Windows recommended settings?

Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the 'Reset' button under the 'Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults' section.

Why do PDF attachments keep opening in Microsoft Edge?

Windows 10 and 11 set Microsoft Edge as the default PDF viewer natively. To change this, right-click any PDF file, choose 'Open with', click 'Choose another app', select your preferred PDF reader (like WPS Office), and check 'Always use this app to open .pdf files'.

Can I change default apps directly from my email client like Outlook?

Most email clients rely on the operating system's file association settings. You cannot usually change the default app directly within Outlook; you must change it through Windows Settings or the right-click 'Open with' menu on a saved file.

Document & File Issues