Win 10 keeps Changing my DEFAULT PROGRAM choices – how to stop this?

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I have Win 10 Pro (ver 1607 Build 14393.222) and I find that Windows keeps changing programs that I have SET for things like graphics, pdf, and HTML extensions.

I use PDF-XChange Viewer by Tracker Software as my PDf viewer – it is a great program, solid and reliable and always has been.

I use Irfanview for most of my graphics (jpg, png, tif, bmp, etc.) because for viewing, quick edits, re-sizing, placing text and boxes, circles, arrows, etc. is fast, easy, and simple. I use Paint Shop Pro and other programs for serious work but Irfanview is the best for taking a screenshot, marking it up for directions for folks that I help.

My browser of choice is FireFox and I don’t want Edge except now and then if a video wont play in FF

Here’s the rub, Win 10 loves to change PDF-XChange Viewer to EDGE, it changes Irfanview to PHOTOS, and it changes FireFox to Edge too. I have set these various ways, used Settings, and done the defaults, by extensions, and by Choose a program with the “ALWAYS use this program” option.

Windows changes these at least once a week and it drives me crazy – what is going on? Is there a way to lock in my choices because the tools in Win 10 don’t do it.

Fred

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Is there a way to lock in my choices because the tools in Win 10 don’t do it.

Hmm, they do it for me. Irfan and PDF Exchange and IE 11 have remained my default apps since I set them via the normal Settings > System > Default Apps way, ~6 months ago with all Win Updates since.

Anyone else using your PC, who might be clicking the Reset button?

Do the defaults all change back at the same time, or staggered?

Lugh.
~
Alienware Aurora R6; Win10 Home x64 1803; Office 365 x32
i7-7700; GeForce GTX 1060; 16GB DDR4 2400; 1TB SSD, 256GB SSD, 4TB HD

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How are you setting your default programs? I make sure they are set both in:
Settings > System > Default apps
Control Panel > Default Programs

My settings stick even through a new Insider Program build.

Jerry

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Thanks for the info.

I’ve only used “Seiings” but now will also use Control Panel, which appear to be more robust. i will post back after a while with my results.

Thanks to all.

Fred

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Just one day later, *.jpg images are opening with “Photos” instead if Irfanview, and htm & html files are opening with Edge instead of FireFox. However, PDF’s are fine and open with PDF-XChange as desired. Had to change the others AGAIN!

Don’t understand why choices won’t stick!

Fred

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One last comment, this issue happens on my desktop and my laptop. Also, happens on two friends’ computers too – VERY ANNOYING!

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I don’t have the problem either. You may have tried this already, but here’s what I do: Control Panel > Default Programs > Associate a file type or protocol with a program. In there you will see a list of file types (extension names) on the left, then the default description of that file type, and in the third column, the current program default for opening that file type. Scroll down the list of file types to the one you are interested in, then highlight it and click on “Change program”. It will show a list of programs which could open that file type; find the one you want and click OK. In my case at least, that selection sticks. I think setting it this way takes priority over the “settings” route, which I have never used, and on now going in there, I see that some defaults which I have set through the control panel actually show up as empty – “Choose a default”.

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Thanks Bundaburra but I’ve done that so many times along with the other ways that I mentioned earlier.

I did try it again and sure enough had the same problems with Photos and Edge. However, edge has NOT touched the *.pdf program that I use.

Fred

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Thanks Bundaburra but I’ve done that so many times along with the other ways that I mentioned earlier.

I did try it again and sure enough had the same problems with Photos and Edge. However, edge has NOT touched the *.pdf program that I use.

Fred

Fred,

Where are you opening the files from? Local or online?

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Fred, this tenforums post may be of interest. Scroll down to neatsir’s post on 04 May 2016. https://www.tenforums.com/software-apps/43264-cant-choose-default-software-choices-wont-get-saved.html

HTH, Mark

Win 11 home - 24H2
Attitude is a choice...Choose wisely

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Thanks for the link Mark, I will look through it carefully.

I did a quick look and saw there are a lot of replies, which is a good thing. Will let you know if I find anything that works here.

Thanks, again

Fred

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I’ve done a lot of forum reviews and one thing seems to be common – folks that login using an MS account/login do NOT have this problem. Folks who use a LOCAL account (I do and want to) HAVE the problem.

If this was intentional by MS then shame on them, if not, then MS needs to fix it for their customers, and fast. The need to change back over and over again is really frustrating.

Fred

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In your #1 post you state:

I have Win 10 Pro (ver 1607 Build 14393.222)…

14393.222 is from late September 2016 (almost three months ago).

Since 14393.222 my Win10 Pro x64 PC has upgraded itself to: 14393.321 (12 October 2016), 14393.351 (28 October 2016), 14393.447 (9 November 2016), 14393.479 (10 December 2016), and 14393.576 (14 December 2016).

Yet in your #12 post you say:

…If this was intentional by MS then shame on them, if not, then MS needs to fix it for their customers, and fast…

I seem to recall seeing the “default programs reset” issue you complain about on two-or-three customers’ systems that were stuck on earlier Win10 builds (circa. 14393.222 & 14393.321) but haven’t seen it in the last few builds.

If your Win10 is still 14393.222 then I can’t take your “MS needs to fix it for their customers, and fast” rant against M$ seriously – it is clearly both illogical and unreasonable.

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For your information, I am running Win 10 Pro and I’m on 14393.576 on my Desktop, and *.447 on my Laptop Win 10 Home.

The problem is on BOTH machines, it also happens on 6 out 8 machines that I support. The two that “seem to hold” are using a MS Login, the 6 that continue to have the problem have “LOCAL” logins.

Read the complaints in the Windows Ten Forum, and even in this Post #10, and see Post #9’s question at the end.

After reading all of these complaints on this and other forums, I checked on the 8 machines – that’s when I found the two that worked had MS Logins – I never checked that before checking on that info.

It is obvious to me that the latest builds do not solve the problem. I stand by what I said, the preponderance of opinion is that the problem is related to a LOCAL account and Not for an MS account login.

Fred

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…It is obvious to me that the latest builds do not solve the problem. I stand by what I said, the preponderance of opinion is that the problem is related to a LOCAL account and Not for an MS account login…

Well that’s really strange because I’m using a local account on this desktop PC and also on my laptop, and don’t have the problem you describe.

EDIT: both my desktop and my laptop Win10 systems are fully updated (14393.576).

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…I’m on 14393.576 on my Desktop, and *.447 on my Laptop Win 10 Home.

The problem is on BOTH machines…

That is not what you have told us previously in this thread. Your #1 post states 14393.222 and nothing you have stated in your subsequent posts indicate any change to that. Now you bother to tell us your Win10 systems have upgraded???

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Coochin, I don’t know what your problem is but you seem to have one by the tone of your posts –

First of all – read THIS POST (in this Forum) ALL THE WAY THROUGH

” [SOLVED] Update to Ver 1607 Build 14393.447 GIVES “Bad Pool Header” and Loops
Started by Fred S, 2016-11-22 12:42″

It was posted by ME on Nov. 22, 2016. I had issues getting past 14393.222. After lots of work, I ended up solving the problem of the “Bad Pool Header” Error, I found that there were driver issues. I had to use Blue Screen View to look at the *.dmp file and replace three drivers. AFTER THAT, I installed ALL the updates and am now on *.576

It is all there in that post, in which I received CONSTRUCTIVE comments and suggestions – all of that helped me solve that problem.

SECOND – THIS issue of Defaults changing was posted on 11/30/16, shortly after my first post on the “Bad Pool Header” – the Default issue was going on before that but the update issues were more important to me at that time.

Once again, after I figured out the Bad Pool Header problem, I have done all subsequent updates on my desktop and as noted in that post (#25), I reported that I was up to *.447 and happy. Since then, I updated again, without issues to *.576 and again very happy. That is where I am today. I even responded to a question from you in Post #16. I received good ideas and help from Satrow, and Sudo15.

Your question about my first post and where I am today makes no sense to me at all. The problem of MY Default Choices NOT sticking happened before *.222 and continues today at *576 !

Bottom line, if you don’t have a helpful, constructive suggestion, then please don’t ask questions that are not helpful and have no bearing on the FACT that there are many, many users that cannot get their choices to HOLD as defaults. The problem has been discussed for a long time and a review the other forums, if you would bother to look, shows that without question. Multiple updates and new builds have NOT addressed this issue. Microsoft needs to address it and soon.

By the way, you are the first person to post that you don’t have the problem and use a local account – that is good info. Others DO have the problem with a Local account as I do.

If you want to help, please offer something that might solve the problem instead of arguing about who posted what and when.

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[bbearren]

Coochin, I don’t know what your problem is but you seem to have one by the tone of your posts –

First of all – read THIS POST (in this Forum) ALL THE WAY THROUGH

” [SOLVED] Update to Ver 1607 Build 14393.447 GIVES “Bad Pool Header” and Loops
Started by Fred S, 2016-11-22 12:42″

It was posted by ME on Nov. 22, 2016. I had issues getting past 14393.222. After lots of work, I ended up solving the problem of the “Bad Pool Header” Error, I found that there were driver issues. I had to use Blue Screen View to look at the *.dmp file and replace three drivers. AFTER THAT, I installed ALL the updates and am now on *.576

I’ve looked through your posts in this thread and I don’t see a link to, or any mention of, your other thread, nor the additional information that your installation is now at 14393.576.

I haven’t posted in this thread previously because I have not encountered that specific problem. I have 5 installations of Windows 10, all installed/upgraded using a local account, and I always run routinely using a local Standard User account. I have local Administrator accounts on each installation for maintenance purposes. I don’t ever logon for a session using a Microsoft account. I logon my OneDrive accounts (using my MS account credentials) independently while running as a local Standard User.

Again, I don’t have the problem, nor have I encountered the problem on other folks’ machines. I’ve changed lots of defaults, and my changes are persistent. Others in this thread have already suggested methods for changing program defaults.

However, rants against Microsoft or other members don’t provide any useful information toward resolving your particular dilemma. I suggest leaving such postings out of the thread.

I have two questions. Did you use an Administrators group Microsoft account for your initial installation(s) of Windows 10?

Have you tried setting your program defaults logged on using your Microsoft account?

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by bbearren.

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bbearen, thanks for your comments:

My post (that you are not able to locate) is NOT in this thread, it is in this Windows 10 Forum – it’s in the list of topics when you open the Win 10 Forum and the link for it is:

http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//178489-Update-to-Ver-1607-Build-14393-447-GIVES-quot-Bad-Pool-Header-quot-and-Loops

That Link and Post contains everything I reported in this thread.

I’m glad that you report you have made defaults “stick” while using a Local Account – as reported earlier there are so many people on other forums reporting otherwise that it seems it’s everyone’s problem. Apparently not. Based on your information, I will continue to search for a resolution because I have used every possible way of setting defaults only to have them change, sometimes in a day, sometimes one or two days later. They have never remained the same for over a week in duration. I have not noticed any consistent pattern of programs or operations performed by me that trigger this behavior – the most frustrating ones are the constant replacement of Irfanview with Photos, and pdf files switching to Edge.

PLEASE take a look at the posts in this Windows Ten Forum – and if you can look through as many as possible – you will see, as in here, folks suggesting to use Settings, use Control Panel, use extensions, and “open with,” etc. etc. We have all done that to no avail.

https://www.tenforums.com/software-apps/43264-cant-choose-default-software-choices-wont-get-saved-3.html

That is just a sample of what is out there on this problem and no one has answers. Folks report for the most part, that it just happens, few, if any, except for you and Coochin seem to have struck gold since you are using Local Accounts with success. There is one post on the Windows Ten Forum which refers to a link where Microsoft is aware of this and considers it a bug – I don’t know for sure but you can see there is a big time problem here – see this:

Another Windows Ten Forum Topic
https://www.tenforums.com/software-apps/41116-default-apps-being-reset-windows.html

This one is from Winhelponline
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/windows-10-resetting-file-associations/

I plan to try the Registry edit offered by the Microsoft MVP – also, go to the end of the reg edit where he suggests switching to a Microsoft account

Here’s one on Info World
http://www.infoworld.com/article/3032751/microsoft-windows/windows-10-forced-update-kb-3135173-changes-browser-and-other-defaults.html

What you find in these posts is that some folks have posted in 2015! And, the bulk of the posts are in 2016, same issue, over and over again – that’s a long time.

I don’t feel that I’m ranting on MS but it certainly looks like few, if any users with an MS account have this problem, while Local accounts do in GREAT numbers. That’s why I say, again, it’s a good thing that you seem to have it working. Maybe there is hope, I just wish MS would fix [it] and fast.

In reply to your two questions at the end of your post, I did NOT install using an MS account, intentionally. I do have an MS account (One Drive) but have NOT tried to set defaults using that and really don’t want to.

Once again, thanks for your thoughts on this and I hope you understand the huge frustration of having to change settings almost daily for something that should be pretty darn reliable yet it is not for many users.

Fred

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[bbearren]

bbearen, thanks for your comments:

My post (that you are not able to locate) is NOT in this thread, it is in this Windows 10 Forum – it’s in the list of topics when you open the Win 10 Forum and the link for it is:

Fred

I had no problem locating your other thread. I had read that OP when it was new. However, that thread is about another, quite different issue than this issue of setting default programs, and it is not an intuitive leap to go there to find information relevant for here.

My point is that without providing a link to that other thread, members replying to this thread are not necessarily aware (nor should they be expected to be aware) of the current state of your installation.

We are all volunteers here, offering help when we can, and asking for help/advice when we need it ourselves. We all have varying amounts of spare time to visit and peruse the forums.

You answered my two questions in the negative, and my suggestion was going to be what I see that RockE has already suggested.

I would add to that advice to visit the download link from Microsoft to get the latest Windows 10 ISO to use for a repair/reinstall. You can choose to download the media creation tool and create an installation USB thumb drive.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

• This reply was modified 5 years, 7 months ago by bbearren.

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http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//178489-Update-to-Ver-1607-Build-14393-447-GIVES-quot-Bad-Pool-Header-quot-and-Loops

That Link and Post contains everything I reported in this thread.

I don’t think it contains anything you reported in this thread. It doesn’t contain the word “default”.

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BruceR,

You might have missed the reason for the reference to the Bad Pool Header Post. I have experienced this problem with Defaults NOT holding, as so many others (see the links provided in THIS post #19).

Coochin appeared alarmed that I’m now on *576 because the post originated when I was on *222 – I did not mention that I’m on *576 because the Default issue has NOT changed – the problem was there at *.222, then again on *.447, and now it continues on *.576. I cited that post because it reports on issues I had with some drivers and it notes that I’m now on *.576. The build I’m on now makes NO difference for the Default issues in this post. Three builds have arrived since I made the Defaults Post.

Once again, the issue is on all of these builds and my feeling is that this is a bug, which, in my opinion, has not been addressed by MS. The links clearly show that many users are suffering the same pain.

One more thing, here are two links which make reference to MS and its awareness of the “bug.”

MS needs to fix it!

Slashdot —-
https://news.slashdot.org/story/16/02/21/1639240/windows-10-forced-update-resets-default-apps-to-microsoft-products?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Slashdot%2Fslashdot%2Fto+%28%28Title%29Slashdot+%28rdf%29%29

The Inquirer:
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2447177/updategate-windows-10-is-resetting-default-apps-back-to-microsoft-stock

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A client’s computer produced a similar snafu a few months ago. I didn’t find a definitive solution online, so I simply did an in place reinstall of Windows 10 (while keeping all installed software) and afterward the problem had disappeared. I don’t know if your problem would go away, I’m just saying that it solved my client’s frustration.

General comment: I think we all understand the frustration of having a computer problem. Some of the folks at this Lounge attempt to answer questions and solve problems for other members every day. We do this for the satisfaction of occasionally being able to help someone solve their problem.
It is also frustrating when we attempt to help but cannot be effective in our attempts because we weren’t provided with all the facts necessary to make the best suggestions.
As to the “tone” of posts here in the Lounge, I have written and read posts here and on other forums (as well as having written manuals and periodicals elsewhere) for many years and I can tell you that most “tone” is imagined and often what we read is not the intended tone at all. Both an initial poster, and those who respond, should try to read the facts and not lend personality to their reading.

Image or Clone often! Backup, backup, backup, backup......
- - - - -
Home Built: Windows 10 Home 64-bit, AMD Athlon II X3 435 CPU, 16GB RAM, ASUSTeK M4A89GTD-PRO/USB3 (AM3) motherboard, 512GB SanDisk SSD, 3 TB WD HDD, 1024MB ATI AMD RADEON HD 6450 video, ASUS VE278 (1920x1080) display, ATAPI iHAS224 Optical Drive, integrated Realtek HD Audio

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I don’t doubt your findings about account types, but I also use a local account, and don’t have the problem either. I’m on the latest build, 14393.576, but have never had the problem described when on earlier versions.

What type of local accounts are affected, i.e. Administrator or Standard? If Standard, have you tried changing one to Administrator and see what happens?

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Thanks for the thought but my wife’s account, and a Visitor account, are Standard while my account is an administrator account. The default issue appears on all of them although now, I don’t check the others any more, I probably should but having done that so many times, it seems to be not needed.

The suggestion from RockE and bbearen about a re-install of Win 10 might help. I have used the Media Creation Tool for this (for a few clients) as it updates to the latest build AND will allow keeping my files (programs) intact. This is very important to me since I have so many tools installed, macros, and customization, etc. I also have image files of each build as I’ve gone along – no more worries about a trashed setup due to a rogue update for me!

I’m leaning this way as a last resort to deal with the loss of my choices for defaults. I hope it works but the huge number of others, as shown in the links I provided in Post #19 casts some doubt. Since I have an image, the only issue is the time spent for the Media Creation Tool install but I can live with that, again as a last gasp.

One more thing, I started this thread referring to my problem associated with my desire to set Irfanview, PDF-XChange, and FireFox for HTM/HTML files. Looking back over the other folks having this issue shows lots of issues with the same software although there are many others with other programs too. If only I could delete Photos and Edge!!!

I hope to try the re-install later this week and will post either way.

Thanks again, to all the good folks that offered assistance.

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One last thought: I am the only user of my PC, so I am the only user that actually logs on. I will occasionally “run as administrator”, but the only actual logon is mine. I wonder if multiple logons by different users could have something to do with it? Maybe user A sets up his/her own defaults, but then user B logs on with no or different defaults, and somehow overwrites user A’s defaults? Could be worth experimenting with?

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One last thought: I am the only user of my PC, so I am the only user that actually logs on. I will occasionally “run as administrator”, but the only actual logon is mine. I wonder if multiple logons by different users could have something to do with it? Maybe user A sets up his/her own defaults, but then user B logs on with no or different defaults, and somehow overwrites user A’s defaults? Could be worth experimenting with?

Thanks for the idea, I don’t think I”ve done that right away. I’ve done it a few times when my wife complained the program is different (defaults changed). I am on the road with my laptop now which has only two accounts (Desktop has three) – I will fix mine again (Edge took over pdf’s and Photos took over Irfanview this morning). Right after that I will change accounts and set hers to be sure.

Thanks, again, definitely worth a try – will let you know.

Fred

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Thanks for the idea, I don’t think I”ve done that right away. I’ve done it a few times when my wife complained the program is different (defaults changed). I am on the road with my laptop now which has only two accounts (Desktop has three) – I will fix mine again (Edge took over pdf’s and Photos took over Irfanview this morning). Right after that I will change accounts and set hers to be sure.

Thanks, again, definitely worth a try – will let you know.

Fred

********************
Here’s an update – I was away for a few days visiting relatives but changed/set the defaults for all three accounts.

It was looking very good until today (1/3/2017) – Photos took over *.jpg files from Irfanview, and Edge took over *.pdf files from PDF-XChange Viewer once again. Sigh!

It did last for about a week which is longer than most other settings but ….

Last resort seems to be to try using Media Creation Tool to do an inplace install while keeping my files (I will still make an image first).

Not sure when I will do this, if at all – getting frustrated with all of this.

Fred

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If only I could delete Photos and Edge!!!

In Insider build 14986, you can uninstall Photos via Settings > System > Apps and Features.

Edge is not listed there though. If you are brave enough, instructions for removing Edge can be found here:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/how-to-remove-microsoft-edge-from-windows-10-491534.shtml

I’ve never done it so I can’t guarantee it works. If you decide ti try it, make a bas=ckup image first.

Jerry

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In Insider build 14986, you can uninstall Photos via Settings > System > Apps and Features.

Edge is not listed there though. If you are brave enough, instructions for removing Edge can be found here:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/how-to-remove-microsoft-edge-from-windows-10-491534.shtml

I’ve never done it so I can’t guarantee it works. If you decide ti try it, make a bas=ckup image first.

Jerry

Jerry, thanks for the information.

It doesn’t look so bad but will take time. Actually, I can live with Edge as it changes just the *pdf default – the Big problem for me is all the extensions that are set for Irfanview. I use Irfanview to capture screenshots, edit/crop what I want, use arrows, boxes, text annotations as need to provide step-by-step help to clients and it is so easy and fast. Works great and Irfanview is just what I need for this stuff, not to mention quickie slide shows or simple image adjustments on the fly.

Photos is worthless, in my opinion – I will wait for Photos to arrive and hope MS can fix this default issue soon.

Thanks again for your idea, I have it saved.

Fred

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You can uninstall Photos now by following the instructions from the How To Geek here:
http://www.howtogeek.com/224798/how-to-uninstall-windows-10s-built-in-apps-and-how-to-reinstall-them/

Jerry

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You can uninstall Photos now by following the instructions from the How To Geek here:
http://www.howtogeek.com/224798/how-to-uninstall-windows-10s-built-in-apps-and-how-to-reinstall-them/

Jerry

Thanks, Jerry but I think I tried this earlier this year when the problem first showed up. I figured just getting rid of it would take care of it. My recollection is that it did NOT work.

The link you sent was posted on 8/14/15 and I’m pretty sure that one of the subsequent updates restored photos and made it one of those that cannot be removed.

Regardless, I tried it again and sure enough photos shows in the Apps menu, and runs, I tried it again and did a re-start but no dice, it is still there and runs. I think MS has locked it in pretty good, at least for now.

Any other thoughts?

Fred

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Hi everyone,

I may have stumbled on a solution that was provided by Ramesh Srinivasan, a well known Microsoft MVP. Here is a link that he provided to his solution to the problem:

http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/default-apps-not-working-windows-10/#sol2

He offers four items, Solutions #1 and #2 and Workarounds #1 and #2.

The one that seems to be working for me is Solution #2. I would note that I followed his solution on January 4th and now it is January 26th and my Laptop (32 bit win 10 Home – Build *.576 (Ver 1607 Build 14393.576)) has not had any changes to my default settings.

My Desktop PC (64 bit Win 10 Pro – Build *.576) had three changes, Edge took over *.pdf defaults TWICE (set for PDF-XChange) and Photos took over my *.jpg files (set for Irfanview) ONCE! In the past, changes almost always happened within a week or so. Three cases over ~three weeks is a definite improvement.

Once again, I have found that these issues are related to logins using a Local Account rather than a MS login. This is based on my personal experience with my own machines and those that I service. In addition, as noted in earlier posts, there are numerous cases where this relationship is demonstrated. Some have reported that no issues have arisen even with a Local account, but based on the review of technical forums/newsgroups, the Local versus MS Account Login shows most, by far, with the problem are Local Account users.

Srinivasan’s Solution #2 deals with cases where Windows somehow has inserted an MS Account in the SETTINGS, ACCOUNTS, section for “Accounts used for other apps.” – MY Settings did, in fact, have my MS One Drive account listed there. This was on BOTH, the Laptop and the Desktop.

I removed my account name from the “Accounts used for other apps” as per the Solution #2 advice and despite the three times a change has occurred on my Desktop, it is a significant improvement for me.

I will report again after more time passes and hopefully, the defaults will continue to hold.

Thanks to all those that have offered constructive advice and/or suggestions. The Link for the Solution #2 is from the Winhelponline Forum, another good resource for Win Secrets subscribers. For others with this problem, I urge you to go thru the whole discussion in the link (above) – good info.

Fred

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Mledman,

Thanks and hope it helps.

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I’ve marked this thread as SOLVED – the solution that worked for me is noted in Post #33.

It has now been over a month since I applied the “fix” noted in that post and I am satisfied. Elimination of the MS Account from the “Accounts used for other apps” definitely has made the difference. My default choices were being changed sometimes within a day or two, almost always within a week, and now my choices are holding to my delight.

I hope the info in this thread will help someone too.

Fred S

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Fred – Many thanks for reporting back on this with your observations. Much appreciated.

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