How to Change WPS Office as Default Application in Windows

When we install WPS Office on our computer, it may be automatically set as the default application to open text files, spreadsheets, and other formats. However, sometimes we prefer to use another program, such as Microsoft Word o LibreOffice, and we find that we have to change this setting manually.

If WPS Office has taken control of the opening of your files and you want to prevent it from doing so again, here we explain step by step how to modify the default apps in Windows and make sure that the files open with the program you prefer.

Why does WPS Office change the default settings?

Many users have reported that even if they choose another application to open text files or documents, after a while, WPS Office becomes the default program again. This may happen due to: Automatic Updates from software or default settings that have not been properly disabled.

The most common problem is that WPS Office, during its installation or an update, reassigns its programs as default without warning. If you want to keep WPS Office on your computer, but prevent it from taking control of your files, you can change the settings manually.

How to change the default program to open files

Windows allows define which application to use for each type of file. To change the default program follow these steps:

1. Take the right click on a file of the format in question (for example, a .docx document).
2. Select option "To open with" and then click "Choose another application".
3. A list will appear with all the compatible apps. Find the one you want to use, for example, Microsoft Become or LibreOffice.
4. Check the option “Always use this application to open files of this type” before clicking OK.

This will ensure that the system remembers the chosen application and use it by default to open files of that type.

Change settings from the Control Panel

If you want to change the default application for multiple file formats at the same time, you can do so from the Control panel:

1. Open the Control panel and go to “Default Programs”.
2. Select option “Choose default apps by file type”.
3. A list will appear with all the file extensions and the currently assigned programs.
4. Find the extension of the file you want to modify (for example, .doc or .rtf).
5. Click on the program that appears and select the application you want to use from now on.

This method allows you Customize multiple file formats without having to change the settings one by one.

How to prevent WPS Office from changing settings again

If after following these steps you still notice that WPS Office is automatically re-assigned as the default application, it is advisable to check your internal configurationSome programs have options that allow them to automatically associate certain file formats each time they are updated.

To avoid this, check the options within WPS Office:

1. Opens WPS Office.
2. Go to the configuration options in the main menu.
3. Find the section related to files default or file type association.
4. Uncheck the options that indicate that WPS Office is automatically assigned as default app.

By following these steps, you will prevent WPS Office from taking control again without your consent.

Change default apps on mobile devices

If you use WPS Office on a mobile phone or tablet, you can also modify the settings of default apps.

On Android devices:

1. Opens Settings on your device.
2. Find the section "Applications" o “Default apps”.
3. Select the file type or action you want to modify.
4. Choose the enforcement which you prefer to use and confirm it.

On iOS devices:

iOS does not allow you to change default applications in the same way as Android or Windows. However, you can manually open files from the enforcement that you prefer instead of letting the system decide automatically.

With these settings, you can make sure you always use the program you prefer to open your documents, no matter what device you're working on.

Changing default apps may seem like a bit of a chore at first, but once set up correctly, you'll avoid any hassles in the long run. Make sure to check periodically the setting to prevent programs like WPS Office from automatically reassigning file formats to your software without warning.