How to Remove ACDSee as the Default File Application
Question details
The user wants to stop ACDSee from automatically opening specific file types and wants to assign a different default application instead.
- Product
- ACDSee
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening images, PDFs, or document files from the file explorer.
- Observed behavior
- Files are automatically launching in ACDSee rather than the user's preferred viewing or editing application.
Ensure you already have your preferred alternative application (such as a different image viewer, PDF reader, or document editor) installed on your system before modifying file associations.
Change the Default Application via the Context Menu
The fastest way to reassign a specific file type from ACDSee to another program is by using the right-click 'Open with' menu.
This method updates the default program for a single file extension (for example, .jpg or .pdf). You will need to repeat this process if ACDSee has taken over multiple different file formats.
Find a file of the type that currently opens in ACDSee (e.g., a photo or PDF).
Right-click on the file, hover over 'Open with' in the dropdown menu, and select 'Choose another app' (or 'Choose default program').
Click on your preferred application from the list provided.
Check the box that says 'Always use this app to open [file extension] files', then click 'OK' to apply the change.
Change File Associations in Windows Settings
If you are using a Windows computer and want to manage multiple file formats at once, modifying the system-level Default Apps settings is the most comprehensive approach.
Easily Manage Your Document Defaults with WPS Office
If ACDSee has incorrectly taken over your PDF or document file associations, you can quickly configure WPS Office to handle all your important document formats by default. WPS Office provides a built-in configuration tool to manage file associations effortlessly.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your computer.
- 2. Open the Configuration Tools: Search for 'WPS Office Configuration Tools' in your Windows Start menu and open it.
- 3. Access Advanced Settings: Click on the 'Advanced' button to open the detailed configuration options.
- 4. Modify Compatibilities: Navigate to the 'Compatibilities' tab, check the boxes for the file formats (such as PDF) you want to associate with WPS Office, and click 'OK'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my files keep reverting back to ACDSee after I change the default?
This can happen if ACDSee's internal settings are configured to claim file associations every time the program launches. To fix this, open ACDSee, go to Tools > Options (or Preferences), locate the 'File Associations' tab, and uncheck the file types you no longer want it to open automatically.
How do I change default applications on a Mac?
On macOS, right-click (or Control-click) the file, select 'Get Info', and look for the 'Open with' section. Select your desired application from the dropdown menu, and then click the 'Change All' button to apply this to all files of that type.
Can I reset all my default apps to the operating system's original settings?
Yes. In Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click the 'Reset' button under 'Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults'. This will clear any third-party overrides, including ACDSee.
