To make Paint 3D the default application for certain image file types, you can utilize the Windows Settings. One method involves resetting your default applications and then manually setting Paint 3D for the file types you want it to handle, such as .jpg, .png, or .bmp.
Here's a step-by-step guide based on accessing default app settings:
Setting Paint 3D as the Default App
The process typically involves navigating through your Windows settings to manage application associations. The provided reference suggests a specific approach starting with resetting defaults.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Begin by accessing your system settings.
- Press the Windows key + I simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps
Within the Settings window, locate and click on the "Apps" section.
- Click on Apps.
- In the sidebar menu on the left, select Default apps.
Step 3: Reset Default Apps (Optional, but suggested by reference)
The reference suggests resetting your default apps to the Microsoft recommended defaults as a potential step before manually setting Paint 3D.
- Scroll down in the Default apps settings page.
- Find the section titled "Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults".
- Click the Reset button under this heading.
Note: This action will reset all your default apps back to Windows' initial suggestions (e.g., Photos for images, Edge for web browsing). You will need to manually change other defaults back if desired.
Step 4: Change Defaults Manually
After (or instead of) resetting, you need to associate specific file types or protocols with Paint 3D. The reference specifically mentions trying to set Paint 3D for image files again after a reset.
There are a few ways to do this manually within the Default apps settings:
-
Choose default apps by file type: This is often the most precise method for image editors.
- Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
- Wait for the list to load.
- Scroll through the list to find image file extensions like
.jpg,.png,.bmp,.gif, etc. - Click on the current default app listed next to the file type you want to change.
- A list of available apps will appear. Select Paint 3D from the list.
- Repeat for each image file type you want Paint 3D to open by default.
-
Set defaults by app: This allows you to select Paint 3D and then see or manage its associations.
- Scroll down and click on Set defaults by app.
- Find Paint 3D in the list of applications and click on it.
- Click the Manage button.
- Here, you can see the file types and protocols Paint 3D is currently associated with. You can change associations individually from this screen as well, similar to the "by file type" method.
Once you have selected Paint 3D for the desired file types, Windows will use Paint 3D whenever you open a file of that type (e.g., double-clicking a .png file).
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Location in Settings |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Open Settings | Press Win + I |
N/A |
| 2. Go to Apps | Click 'Apps' | Settings > Apps |
| 3. Default apps | Click 'Default apps' | Settings > Apps > Default apps |
| 4. Reset (Optional) | Click 'Reset' under "Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults" | Settings > Apps > Default apps |
| 5. Set Manually | Use "Choose default apps by file type" or "Set defaults by app" | Settings > Apps > Default apps |
By following these steps, particularly the manual setting by file type or by app after potentially resetting, you can configure Windows to open your images with Paint 3D by default.
