Change Default Photos App In Windows 10 Via Command Line

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Are you looking for a way to change the default photos app in Windows 10 using the command line? While the graphical user interface (GUI) method through Settings > System > Default apps is straightforward, leveraging the command line offers a more efficient and scriptable solution, especially for system administrators or users who prefer automation. This article dives deep into the methods and commands you can use to achieve this, providing a comprehensive guide for both novice and advanced users.

Understanding the Need for Command-Line Control

While the GUI provides a user-friendly approach, there are several scenarios where command-line control becomes invaluable. Imagine you're managing a large network of computers and need to deploy a consistent default application configuration across all devices. Manually configuring each machine through the GUI would be incredibly time-consuming and prone to errors. A command-line script, on the other hand, can automate this process, ensuring consistency and saving significant time and effort. Furthermore, command-line methods are essential for remote administration, where direct GUI access may not be feasible. In these situations, the ability to change the default photo viewer remotely becomes a critical asset.

Command-line operations also offer a level of precision and control that the GUI sometimes lacks. For instance, you can target specific file types or protocols to be handled by a particular application, providing a granular level of customization that isn't always available through the graphical interface. This level of control is particularly useful in specialized environments where specific applications are preferred for certain tasks.

Methods for Changing the Default Photos App via Command Line

Several methods can be employed to change the default photo app using the command line in Windows 10. We will explore two primary approaches: using the Assoc command and utilizing PowerShell.

1. Using the Assoc Command

The Assoc command is a built-in Windows command-line utility that allows you to view and modify file extension associations. This is a direct way to link specific file types (e.g., .jpg, .png, .bmp) to a particular application. While it is a relatively older method, it is still effective and can be useful in certain scenarios.

To use the Assoc command, you first need to identify the file extension you want to modify. For example, if you want to change the default application for .jpg files, you would use the following syntax:

assoc .jpg

This command will display the current association for .jpg files. Typically, it will show something like .jpg=PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.JPG. The PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.JPG part is the program identifier associated with the file extension. To change the default app, you need to know the program identifier for the application you want to use.

Unfortunately, the Assoc command doesn't directly provide a list of available program identifiers. You might need to consult the application's documentation or use other methods (like PowerShell, discussed below) to discover the correct identifier. Once you have the identifier, you can use the Assoc command to change the association:

assoc .jpg=NewProgramIdentifier

Replace NewProgramIdentifier with the actual identifier for the application you want to use. For instance, if you wanted to associate .jpg files with Paint, you might use mspaint.exe (though this is a simplified example, and the actual identifier might be different).

Limitations of the Assoc Command:

  • Limited Information: The Assoc command doesn't provide a clear list of available program identifiers, making it difficult to use without prior knowledge. It can be challenging to find the right identifier to use to change the default photos application. This limitation can make it a less user-friendly approach for some users.
  • Complexity: Identifying the correct program identifier can be complex and may require digging through system files or application documentation. It's not always straightforward to determine the correct identifier needed to change the default photo viewer.
  • Not Always Reliable: In some cases, the Assoc command may not reliably change default applications, especially with newer applications that use more sophisticated registration mechanisms. There are instances where the change might not stick, requiring other methods to ensure the desired default app is set..

2. Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a more powerful and versatile command-line shell and scripting language built into Windows. It provides a more robust and reliable way to manage default applications, offering greater flexibility and control compared to the Assoc command.

a. Using Get-AppxPackage to Find the Application Package Full Name:

To change the default photos app using PowerShell, you'll first need to find the Package Full Name of the application you want to use. You can do this using the Get-AppxPackage cmdlet. For example, to find the Package Full Name for the default Photos app, you can use the following command:

Get-AppxPackage *Photos*

This command will return information about all installed applications with "Photos" in their name. From the output, you'll need to note the Package Full Name, which looks something like Microsoft.Windows.Photos_2024.11050.24004.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe. This is the unique identifier you'll use in subsequent commands to change default applications. The Package Full Name is crucial for targeting the correct application when setting default associations.

b. Using Set-DefaultApplication to Set the Default Application:

Once you have the Package Full Name, you can use the Set-DefaultApplication command to change the default application. However, Set-DefaultApplication is not a built-in PowerShell cmdlet. You will need to use the DefaultApps module to access this function. This involves using the PowerShell command itself from the command prompt to set the default app. This is commonly used when trying to change the default application using an elevated command prompt.

c. Utilizing DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management):

DISM, short for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, is a command-line tool used to manage and service Windows images. While not directly designed for changing default applications, DISM can be used indirectly by manipulating the OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file, which stores default application associations for new user profiles. This method is particularly useful for system administrators who want to change the default photo viewer for all new users on a system or across an organization.

The OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file is an XML file that specifies the default applications for various file types and protocols. You can create a custom OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file and then use DISM to import it into a Windows image or apply it to a running system. This allows you to change default applications at the system level, ensuring consistency across all user profiles. This is useful when you need to change the default application for many computers.

Steps to Use DISM:

  1. Create a Custom OEMDefaultAssociations.xml File: This file specifies the application associations you want to set as default. The format of the file is XML, and it requires specific elements and attributes to define the associations. For example, you can specify that .jpg files should be opened by a particular application using the Association element and its attributes. The OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file is central to how DISM allows you to change default photo viewer settings.
  2. Use DISM to Import the File: You can use the DISM command to import the custom OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file into a Windows image or apply it to a running system. The specific command will depend on whether you are working with an offline image (e.g., a .wim file) or a running system. DISM's ability to import this file makes it essential for those looking to change default apps system-wide.

Example OEMDefaultAssociations.xml Snippet:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<DefaultAssociations xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:defaultassociations">
    <Association Identifier=".jpg" ProgId="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.JPG" ApplicationName="Windows Photo Viewer" />
    <Association Identifier=".jpeg" ProgId="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.JPG" ApplicationName="Windows Photo Viewer" />
    <Association Identifier=".png" ProgId="PhotoViewer.FileAssoc.JPG" ApplicationName="Windows Photo Viewer" />
</DefaultAssociations>

This snippet shows how to associate .jpg, .jpeg, and .png files with the Windows Photo Viewer. By modifying the ProgId attribute, you can change the default photos application to another application. The ProgId is a unique identifier that tells Windows which application to use.

Advantages of Using DISM:

  • System-Wide Changes: DISM allows you to change default applications for all new user profiles on a system, ensuring consistency across the board.
  • Offline Image Modification: You can modify a Windows image (e.g., a .wim file) before deployment, setting the default applications upfront. This is particularly useful for organizations that deploy custom Windows images.
  • Automation: DISM commands can be scripted, allowing you to automate the process of setting default applications. This is a significant advantage for large-scale deployments. The ability to script commands makes DISM a powerful tool to change the default application for many machines.

Disadvantages of Using DISM:

  • Complexity: Creating and managing the OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file requires understanding the XML format and the structure of default application associations. This can be a barrier to entry for some users.. Understanding the XML structure is key when using DISM to change the default photo viewer.
  • Indirect Method: DISM doesn't directly change default applications for existing user profiles. It only affects new profiles created after the OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file is applied. This means existing users might need to manually change default applications via the Settings app. This is a crucial distinction to keep in mind.
  • Potential for Errors: Incorrectly configuring the OEMDefaultAssociations.xml file can lead to unexpected behavior or application conflicts. Careful planning and testing are essential when using DISM to change the default apps. It's always a good idea to back up your system before making significant changes.

Conclusion

Changing the default photos app in Windows 10 via the command line offers a powerful and flexible way to manage application associations. While the Assoc command provides a basic method, PowerShell and DISM offer more robust and scalable solutions. Whether you're a system administrator managing a large network or a user who prefers command-line control, understanding these methods can significantly enhance your efficiency and control over your system's configuration. By leveraging these techniques, you can effectively change the default photo app to suit your specific needs and preferences. Remember to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method and choose the one that best fits your requirements. Whether it's PowerShell's precision or DISM's system-wide impact, the command line provides powerful tools to change default applications in Windows 10.