Default app setting keeps changing back
Restart the computer after changing the default app — the change does not stick without a restart. If it still reverts, disable auto-launch features in other apps that are fighting to be default.
Default apps keep reverting because another app is forcibly changing the setting back, you don't have admin rights, or a restart didn't happen after the change. Common culprits: competing browsers, email clients, or PDF viewers all trying to be default. The fix is to identify which app is fighting for default, disable its auto-launch setting, restart, and try again.
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step — just tap, no typing needed.
Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Changing the setting then not restarting — changes don't stick without a restart
- Blaming the OS for a bug when actually another app is changing it back
- Not disabling auto-launch in all competing apps, just some of them
Signs you need professional help
- Default app keeps reverting despite disabling other apps and restarting
- You suspect malware is resetting defaults
- Work computer has Group Policy restrictions you can't change
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