Win 10 updates keep changing my Default apps

Willum08 · 09 Jan 2020

Why are my default applications always changed after a Windows 10 update ? I am really sick of having to change them back to my preferred applications. What right has Microsoft got to constantly change my preferred settings? It is MY computer and I do not wish to use some of Microsoft's default applications because they don't suit my requirements. This never happened in my previous installation of Windows 7. Does anyone know how to stop this from happening or is this just a case of 'Microsoft knows best - so just accept that' ?

Windows 10 Pro version 1909

sygnus21 · 09 Jan 2020

Windows "updates" per se should not be changing your default apps. A Windows "upgrade" (ex:1903 > 1909) might do this, but typically not updates. That said, did you mean upgrade or update?

And what apps keep getting changed???

Willum08 · 09 Jan 2020

Hi and thanks for your quick response - much appreciated..

Apologies, my mistake, I should have said Upgrades - I don't really appreciate the difference between updates and upgrades.

The applications which keep being changed are the ones I use for viewing and editing Image files and for viewing/listening to Audio/Video files. I prefer to use 'Irfanview' for all my Image files (bmp, jpg, png) and Windows Media player or VLC Player for Audio/Video since they are more versatile than the default MS applications.

Kind Regards

sygnus21 · 09 Jan 2020

Willum08 said:

Apologies, my mistake, I should have said Upgrades - I don't really appreciate the difference between updates and upgrades.

Most people don't, but with this new model of Windows version releases upgrades and updates have taken on a whole new meaning

Willum08 said:

The applications which keep being changed are the ones I use for viewing and editing Image files and for viewing/listening to Audio/Video files. I prefer to use 'Irfanview' for all my Image files (bmp, jpg, png) and Windows Media player or VLC Player for Audio/Video since they are more versatile than the default MS applications.

But yeah, unfortunately some "upgrades" may reset your apps to defaults. It's the nature of the beast and really nothing you can do about it. It's why I always advise going through your system after any upgrades.

Willum08 · 09 Jan 2020

So, Microsoft 'wins' again ! I am getting so fed up with their attitude that I am seriously considering - like many others - of dumping windows and installing one of the Linux versions.
Thanks anyway for your observations
Kind Regards

sygnus21 · 09 Jan 2020

You're welcomed.

And no matter the OS you move to, there will always be annoyances. You know the saying... the grass is always greener on the other side... until you move there, and then...

Good luck.