How to Solve Default Apps Keep Resetting on Windows

Default apps in Windows let you choose which programs handle specific file types, such as setting your preferred browser, email client, or media player. However, some users report that Windows keeps resetting their default apps, forcing them to reconfigure settings repeatedly. This issue can be caused by Windows updates, corrupted user profiles, system misconfigurations, or even malware.

Why Does Windows Keep Resetting Default Apps?

Before applying fixes, it’s essential to understand the possible reasons behind this issue:

• Windows Updates – Some updates override user preferences and restore Microsoft-recommended defaults.
• Corrupt User Profile – A damaged profile may fail to save changes to default app settings.
• Registry Errors – Incorrect or corrupted registry entries can cause Windows to revert default apps.

• Malware or System File Corruption – Malicious programs or corrupted system files can interfere with settings.

How to Fix Default Apps Keep Resetting on Windows

Follow these solutions to resolve the issue.

1. Scan for Corrupt System Files (SFC)

Corrupted system files may prevent Windows from saving default app settings. Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

• sfc /scannow

3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.

If SFC finds and fixes errors, check if the problem persists.

2. Perform a Disk Cleanup

Junk files and temporary data may interfere with default app settings. Perform a disk cleanup:

1. Press Win + R, type cleanmgr, and hit Enter.
2. Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
3. Check the boxes for Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and System error memory dump files.
4. Click OK and then Delete Files.
5. Restart your PC and check if the default app settings persist.

3. Use Windows Settings to Set Default Apps

Manually set default apps through Windows Settings:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Default apps.
3. Select the app category (e.g., Web browser, Email, Music player) and choose your preferred app.
4. Restart your computer to check if the settings persist.

4. Disable Microsoft Recommended Defaults

Windows may reset default apps based on Microsoft’s preferences. Disable this behavior:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Default apps.
2. Scroll down and click Choose defaults by file type.
3. Manually assign your preferred apps to file types that keep resetting.

5. Modify the Registry to Lock Default Apps

If Windows continues resetting apps, a registry tweak may help:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts

3. Locate the file extension (e.g., .pdf, .html) that keeps changing.
4. Delete the UserChoice subkey.
5. Restart your computer and set the default app again via Settings.

Caution: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues, back up the registry before making changes.

6. Repair Windows with Fortect

If your default apps keep resetting due to corrupted system settings, registry errors, or malware, Fortect can help.

Fortect is a reliable PC repair tool that scans for Windows issues and fixes them automatically. It can restore system files, resolve registry errors, and repair corrupted configurations that may be causing your default apps to reset. 

Running a scan with Fortect ensures your system remains optimized and free from software-related conflicts.

Download and install Fortect.

7. Create a New User Profile

A corrupted user profile may prevent Windows from saving default app changes. Create a new profile:

1. Open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add account and follow the instructions to create a new local user.
3. Log into the new account and check if the default app settings remain saved.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

Some third-party applications may be interfering with your default app settings. A clean boot can help identify and disable conflicting software:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Click Disable all to turn off non-essential services.
4. Open Task Manager, navigate to Startup, and disable unnecessary startup programs.
5. Restart your PC and check if default apps remain saved.

9. Reset Windows (As a Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, reset Windows to restore default system configurations:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Click Get started under Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep my files to retain your data.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Conclusion

Windows resetting default apps can be frustrating, but these solutions should help. Start with simple fixes like adjusting settings and running system scans before moving on to advanced solutions like registry edits or user profile creation. If the problem persists, consider using Fortect to repair system issues and keep your default app preferences intact.