Introduction: Why Change the Default App?
If you often work with Word documents but prefer WPS Office over Microsoft Word, it can be frustrating to see your files constantly opening in the wrong app. Perhaps you’re more familiar with WPS’s interface or find it better suited for your workflow. Whatever the reason, changing the default application can save time, reduce formatting issues, and streamline your daily tasks.
Step 1: Change Default App for .doc Files
Follow these steps to set WPS Office as the default application for `.doc` files:
1. Click the Start menu on the bottom-left corner of your screen;
2. Select Settings;
3. In the left sidebar, click Apps;
4. Then select Default Apps from the right panel;
5. Under Set defaults for file types, type `.doc` in the search bar;
6. You’ll see that Microsoft Word is the current default;
7. Click the arrow next to it and select WPS Office;
8. Click Set as default.
Now, when you double-click any `.doc` file, it will automatically open in WPS Office.
Step 2: Set WPS as Default for Other File Extensions
You might want more than just `.doc` files to open in WPS. Fortunately, you can also configure WPS to open other formats like `.docx`, `.odt`, `.asd`, etc.
1. In the same Default Apps settings window, locate the second search box;
2. Type Word to see file types currently associated with Microsoft Word;
3. Click the arrow to the right of Microsoft Word;
4. You’ll see a list of associated extensions such as `.asd`, `.odt`, and more;
5. Click the arrow next to each extension;
6. Choose the corresponding WPS component (e.g., WPS Writer or WPS Spreadsheet);
7. Click Set as default.
This allows you to fully switch over to WPS for all document types you use frequently.
Step 3: Change Your Default Email Client
Want to change more than document defaults? You can also switch the default email app:
1. In the Default Apps settings, scroll to the bottom;
2. Click Choose default apps by link type;
3. Search for the link type `mailto`;
4. You’ll likely see it set to Outlook by default;
5. Click the arrow next to it and choose your preferred email client;
6. Click Set as default.
After this, clicking any email link on a website will open your selected app automatically.
Conclusion: Boost Efficiency with the Right Default Apps
Changing default applications in Windows is a small adjustment that can bring a big productivity boost. Whether you prefer WPS Office for its interface, performance, or compatibility, setting it as your default ensures a smoother experience. Follow the steps above, and you’ll never have to waste time switching apps again.
Demo Video
You can watch the following demo video by select the subtitle to your preferred subtitle language.