Need to use third-party programs to open files on your PC? Here's how to change file associations in Windows 10 and choose which apps open which file types.

Is a file or process being blocked by Defender? You can add a file type or process exclusion to Windows Security via GPEDIT or its Settings.

The latest Windows 10 preview shows that the default apps experience on Windows 10 is set for a major improvement.

Windows makes it easy for you to open up these files by setting up default programs for each file type -- images files, for example, will open by default in the Windows 10 Photos app.

The Windows 10 File Explorer offers a handy tool called Preview Pane. Though this feature, you can preview many different types of files without having to open them in their associated applications.