Windows 8: Open Files on Desktop - Images, Music, Video, PDF

Controlling Media File Opening Behavior in Windows 8

By default, Windows 8 utilizes the Windows 8 interface – previously referred to as Metro – to open a variety of file types.

When accessing files from the desktop environment and double-clicking on numerous media file formats, a full-screen media viewer is typically launched.

Preventing Full-Screen App Launches

It is possible to modify this behavior and prevent media files from automatically opening within the full-screen Windows 8 applications.

This adjustment can be achieved by altering your system's default programs configuration.

The process involves specifying which applications should handle specific file types, ensuring they open in your preferred viewers rather than the full-screen apps.

By changing these settings, users can maintain a consistent experience and avoid unexpected launches into the full-screen interface when working with media files.

Configuring Default Programs for Desktop Applications

Adjusting these preferences can be accomplished through the Default Programs interface. Initiate this process by pressing the Windows key, then typing "Default," and subsequently pressing Enter.

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Within the resulting window, select the "Set your default programs" link.

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Navigate down the list and choose "Windows Photo Viewer." Then, click the "Set this program as default" option. This action ensures that image files will open utilizing the Windows Photo Viewer application.

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Following this, select "Windows Media Player" and click "Set this program as default." Consequently, music and video files will launch within Windows Media Player.

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PDF documents, by default, also tend to open in full-screen mode. Microsoft Reader serves as the pre-installed PDF viewer. However, a dedicated desktop application for PDF viewing isn’t natively included. Therefore, downloading a third-party PDF reader, such as Sumatra PDF, PDF-XChange Viewer, or Adobe Reader, is necessary.

Once an alternative PDF reader is installed, it can be designated as the default application when prompted during PDF file opening.

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While we have focused on configuring Windows Photo Viewer and Windows Media Player, other applications – including VLC for media or IrfanView for images – can also be installed and set as your preferred default programs, mirroring functionality found in previous Windows versions.

It’s important to note that if you are utilizing Windows RT on an ARM-based device, the installation of third-party desktop applications will not be possible.

Modifying Default Program Choices for File Types

If you wish to designate a particular desktop application as the default opener for a specific file type, a simple method exists within Windows Explorer. Locate a file possessing the desired extension, then right-click on it. From the context menu, select "Open with" and subsequently choose "Choose default program."

This action will only alter the behavior for the file extension you've targeted. For instance, configuring PNG files to consistently launch in Windows Photo Viewer will not impact how JPEG files are handled; they will continue to open in the Photos application.

Understanding the Integration of Windows 8 Interfaces

It's important to note that utilizing an application within the modern Windows 8 interface will now direct files of associated types to the desktop application you’ve selected.

The file associations are shared between the Windows 8 interface and the traditional desktop environment. Consequently, distinct file associations cannot be established for each of these separate environments.

Key takeaway: Changes made affect both the modern UI and the desktop.

This unified approach ensures consistency in how files are opened, regardless of the interface being used.