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Change File Associations in Windows 8

Use this guide when video or music files open in the wrong app on Windows 8. These steps switch supported media files to Windows Media Player manually.

  • ✓ Clear 5-step walkthrough
  • ✓ Works for video and music defaults
  • ✓ Built around the Windows 8 settings flow
Guide length: about 3 minutes Applies to: Windows 8
Media players shown in the homepage hero
A quick fix when media files are opening in the wrong player.
 
 

Before you start

Windows 8 does not always let installers set every media association automatically. If supported files are opening in another app, the quickest fix is to choose your default player manually in PC Settings.

  • Use this guide for video files that should open in Windows Media Player by default.
  • You can use the same method for music by changing Music instead of Video in step 4.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow the steps below in order. After step 5, supported video files should open in Windows Media Player by default.

Step 1

Open PC Settings

On the tiled Start screen, open PC Settings. Windows 8 PC Settings
Step 2

Open Search and apps

In PC Settings, select Search and apps. Windows 8 Search and apps
Step 3

Choose Defaults

In the left-hand menu, click Defaults. Windows 8 Defaults screen
Step 4

Select the current video app

In Choose default applications, click Video. Windows 8 choose default applications
Tip: For music files, click Music instead of Video.
Step 5

Choose Windows Media Player

Select Windows Media Player from the list. Supported video files should now open in Windows Media Player by default. Windows 8 choose an application

Quick recap

  • Open PC Settings
  • Go to Search and apps
  • Select Defaults
  • Change the Video app
  • Pick Windows Media Player

If files still open incorrectly

  • Try opening the file once with Windows Media Player and confirm the choice if Windows prompts you.
  • Make sure the file type itself is supported and that the codec pack is installed correctly.
  • Visit the playback help pages if the file opens but still will not play correctly.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I use the same steps for audio files?

    Yes. In the same Defaults section, choose Music instead of Video.

  • Why did the installer not change this automatically?

    Windows 8 limits how installers can change some default apps, so this setting often has to be changed manually.

  • Do I also need the codec pack installed?

    If the file opens in the right player but still will not play, install or compare the codec pack editions starting with Standard.

  
 
   
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