I'm unable to change the default application for any file type on my Windows 11 desktop. In Settings, clicking the button to choose a default app does nothing. If I right-click a file and select Open with > Choose another app, Windows displays: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." I'm the owner of the computer. The system has an 11th-generation Intel Core i5, 16 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650.
1 Answer
Being the owner of the PC doesn’t always mean your Windows account has permission to access every individual file. Check the file’s Properties > Security tab and confirm your account has access. You can also try changing the association through Settings > Apps > Default apps, although that should normally work without needing elevated permissions.
I tried changing it through Settings, but clicking the button has no effect there either.