Can I use the same steps for music files in Windows 8?

Yes. In the Defaults section, choose Music instead of Video, then select Windows Media Player.

Why do I need to change file associations manually?

Windows 8 does not always let installers set every media file association automatically, so manual selection is often required.

Will this help unsupported formats play?

Changing the default app only controls which player opens the file. If the format still is not supported, you may also need the codec pack installed.

How to Change File Associations in Windows 8

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.

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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.

Change File Associations in Windows 8