Fix Default Apps Not Changing in Windows 11

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Fix Windows 11 not changing default browser, media player, PDF viewer, or email client. Stop defaults from reverting after updates.

Overview

Can't change your default browser or apps? Links keep opening in Edge? This guide covers the correct way to set defaults in Windows 11.

What this helps with

What to expect: Easy difficulty • usually about 5-10 minutes.

This is one of 67 Software Issues fixes in the WindowsHelper library. The full step-by-step fix lives in the WindowsHelper app.

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