ExtensionFile

How to Open Files on Windows: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Windows provides multiple methods for opening files, from simple double-clicks to advanced file association management. Whether you're a beginner or power user, understanding how Windows handles different file types will help you work more efficiently and troubleshoot problems when files won't open. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic file opening to fixing association issues.

Basic Methods to Open Files

Double-Click to Open

The simplest and most common method:

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E, or click folder icon in taskbar)
  2. Navigate to the folder containing your file
  3. Double-click the file
  4. Windows opens the file with the default associated application

This method works for most files once their types are properly associated with applications.

Right-Click and Select "Open"

  1. Right-click the file in File Explorer
  2. Select Open from the context menu
  3. File opens with default application

This is functionally identical to double-clicking but useful when double-click selects/renames files instead of opening them.

Press Enter

  1. Click once to select the file in File Explorer
  2. Press Enter key
  3. File opens with default application

Efficient for keyboard-focused workflows.

Drag and Drop onto Application

  1. Open the application you want to use (Word, Photoshop, VLC, etc.)
  2. Drag the file from File Explorer
  3. Drop it onto the application window
  4. File opens in that specific application

Useful when you want to open a file in a non-default application without changing permanent associations.

Opening Files with Specific Applications

Using "Open With" Menu

To open a file with an application other than the default:

  1. Right-click the file
  2. Select Open with
  3. Choose from the list of recommended apps
  4. If your desired app isn't listed, click "Choose another app"

One-Time Application Selection

When "Choose another app" dialog appears:

  1. Select the application you want to use
  2. Don't check "Always use this app"
  3. Click OK

The file opens in your selected app, but the default association remains unchanged for future files.

Setting a New Default Application

To permanently change which app opens this file type:

  1. Right-click the file
  2. Open with → Choose another app
  3. Check "Always use this app to open .[extension] files"
  4. Select your desired application
  5. Click OK

Now all files with this extension will open in the selected application by default.

Finding More Apps

If suitable applications aren't installed:

  1. In the "Choose another app" dialog, scroll down
  2. Click "Look for another app on this PC" to browse for installed programs
  3. Or click "Search for an app in the Microsoft Store" to find compatible apps

Managing Default Applications (Windows 11)

Settings App Method

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Click Apps in the left sidebar
  3. Click Default apps
  4. Scroll down and search for the application you want to configure
  5. Click the app name
  6. You'll see all file types and protocols associated with this app
  7. Click a file type to change its default application

Setting Defaults by File Type

  1. Settings → Apps → Default apps
  2. Click "Choose defaults by file type"
  3. Scroll to find your extension (e.g., .pdf, .jpg, .mp3)
  4. Click the current default app
  5. Select a new default from the list

Setting Defaults by Protocol

For web links and protocols (http, mailto, etc.):

  1. Settings → Apps → Default apps
  2. Click "Choose defaults by protocol"
  3. Find the protocol (HTTP, HTTPS, MAILTO, FTP)
  4. Select your preferred application

Managing Default Applications (Windows 10)

Settings Method

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Click Apps
  3. Click Default apps in the left sidebar

You'll see categories for:

Click any category and select your preferred application.

Choose Default Apps by File Type

  1. Settings → Apps → Default apps
  2. Scroll down and click "Choose default apps by file type"
  3. Find the extension you want to configure
  4. Click the current default (or "Choose a default")
  5. Select your preferred application

Common File Types and Applications

Documents

Images

Audio

Video

Archives

Troubleshooting: File Won't Open

Error: "How do you want to open this file?"

Cause: Windows doesn't have a default application for this file type.

Solution:

  1. Click "More apps" in the dialog
  2. Select an appropriate application from the list
  3. Or install software that handles this file type
  4. Check our file extension database to find compatible applications

Error: "Windows cannot open this file"

Cause: No application is associated with this extension.

Solution:

  1. Click "Select an app from a list of installed apps"
  2. Choose appropriate software
  3. If no suitable app is installed, search for one online based on the file extension

Wrong Application Opens

Cause: Incorrect file association.

Solution:

  1. Right-click the file
  2. Open with → Choose another app
  3. Select correct application
  4. Check "Always use this app"
  5. Click OK

File Opens but Displays Incorrectly

Possible causes:

Solutions:

Resetting File Associations

If file associations are completely broken:

Windows 11/10:

  1. Settings → Apps → Default apps
  2. Click Reset button at the bottom
  3. This resets all file associations to Windows defaults
  4. Reconfigure associations as needed

Using Registry Editor (Advanced):

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts
  3. Find the problematic extension folder
  4. Right-click the extension folder → Delete
  5. Restart computer
  6. Set new association

Warning: Editing the registry can break Windows if done incorrectly. Create a restore point first.

Opening Files from Command Line

For advanced users and automation:

Command Prompt

start "" "C:\path\to\file.pdf"

Opens file with default application.

start excel "C:\path\to\spreadsheet.xlsx"

Opens file with specific application.

PowerShell

Invoke-Item "C:\path\to\file.pdf"

Or simply:

& "C:\path\to\file.pdf"

Opening Multiple Files

start file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt

Security Considerations

Tips and Tricks

Opening Files from Windows Search

  1. Press Windows key
  2. Type filename or content
  3. Click the file in search results or press Enter

Recent Files

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Click Quick access in sidebar
  3. See recently opened files
  4. Double-click to reopen

Opening Files from Within Applications

  1. Launch application
  2. Click File → Open (or press Ctrl + O)
  3. Browse to file location
  4. Select file and click Open

Keyboard Shortcuts

Installing Missing Software

If you can't open a file type, you may need to install compatible software:

Microsoft Store (Recommended for Windows 11)

  1. Open Microsoft Store app
  2. Search for file type or application name
  3. Install free or paid applications
  4. Store apps automatically integrate with Windows file associations

Third-Party Downloads

Popular Free Applications

Opening Files on Network Drives

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Click Network in the left sidebar
  3. Browse to network computer/drive
  4. Or type UNC path directly: \\ServerName\ShareName\file.txt
  5. Open files as normal

Mapping Network Drives:

  1. File Explorer → This PC
  2. Click Map network drive in ribbon
  3. Choose drive letter
  4. Enter network path
  5. Check "Reconnect at sign-in" for permanent mapping
  6. Network folder appears as local drive

Understanding how to open files efficiently in Windows is a fundamental skill that improves productivity and reduces frustration. Whether you're using simple double-clicks or managing complex file associations, these techniques will help you work with any file type Windows supports. Remember to keep your software updated, be cautious with unknown file types, and use the right application for each task.