Opening a JPG with Photoshop by default in Windows 11 is a handy skill to have if you’re someone who edits a lot of images. It’s a simple process, and once you’ve set it up, every time you double-click on a JPG file, it will open in Photoshop instead of the default Windows photo viewer. Let’s dive into how you can make this happen.
Step by Step Tutorial to Open a JPG With Photoshop By Default in Windows 11
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, understand that what we’re about to do will change the default program that opens JPG files. Instead of using the Photos app or any other image viewer you might have been using, we’re going to switch it to Adobe Photoshop. Here’s how:
Step 1: Locate a JPG file
Find a JPG file anywhere on your computer. This will be the file you use to change the default program.
When you’ve found the file, right-click on it. This will bring up a menu with multiple options. The one we’re interested in is ‘Open with.’
Step 2: Choose ‘Open with’ and then ‘Choose another app’
After right-clicking the JPG file, hover over ‘Open with.’ A side menu will appear. Click on ‘Choose another app.’
This will open a new window with a list of programs that can open the JPG file. If Photoshop isn’t listed, don’t worry—we’ll find it in the next step.
Step 3: Select Adobe Photoshop
In the ‘Choose another app’ window, if Photoshop is listed, simply click on it. If it’s not, click on ‘More apps,’ scroll down and select ‘Look for another app on this PC.’
Navigate through your computer’s files until you find the Photoshop application (usually located in the ‘Program Files’ folder), select it, and click ‘Open.’
Step 4: Check the box that says ‘Always use this app to open .jpg files’
Before you click ‘OK’ to open the file with Photoshop, make sure to tick the checkbox that says ‘Always use this app to open .jpg files.’
This action will set Photoshop as the default program for all JPG files. From now on, whenever you double-click a JPG file, it will open in Photoshop automatically.
After completing these steps, you’ve successfully changed the default program for JPG files to Photoshop. Now, instead of the Windows Photos app or any other viewer popping up, Photoshop will launch, ready for you to edit your image.
Tips for Opening a JPG With Photoshop By Default in Windows 11
- Make sure you have administrative rights on your computer to change default programs.
- If Photoshop doesn’t appear in the list of applications, ensure it’s properly installed on your computer.
- Remember, changing the default program will apply to all JPG files, not just the one you selected.
- If you change your mind later, you can always repeat the steps and choose a different default program.
- Keep your Photoshop updated to avoid any compatibility issues with opening JPG files.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the default program back to the Windows Photos app?
To revert to the Windows Photos app, follow the same steps but select the Photos app instead of Photoshop in Step 3.
Can I set Photoshop as the default for other file types like PNG or BMP?
Yes, you can. The process is the same; just start by right-clicking on the file type you want to change and follow the steps.
What if I can’t find Photoshop in the ‘Look for another app on this PC’ list?
Make sure you navigate to the correct folder where Photoshop is installed. It’s usually in ‘Program Files’ or ‘Program Files (x86)’ on your C: drive.
Will this setting sync across other devices if I’m using a Microsoft account?
No, this setting will only apply to the specific machine where you make the change.
What do I do if I receive an error message when trying to set Photoshop as the default?
Ensure that your version of Photoshop is compatible with Windows 11 and that it’s properly installed. If the issue persists, consider seeking help from Adobe’s support.
Summary
- Locate a JPG file
- Choose ‘Open with’ then ‘Choose another app’
- Select Adobe Photoshop
- Check the box to always use Photoshop for JPG files
Conclusion
Setting Adobe Photoshop as your default JPG opener in Windows 11 is a breeze once you know the right steps. It’s a small change that can significantly streamline your workflow, especially if you’re constantly working with images. Just remember that this action will apply to all JPG files, so make sure that’s what you want before making the switch. With Photoshop set as your default, every double-click on a JPG brings you one step closer to transforming that image into a masterpiece.
For creatives and photo editors, this small tweak is a game-changer, eliminating the extra clicks and wait times associated with opening files manually in Photoshop. And if you’re someone who’s just getting started with image editing, setting Photoshop as your default JPG opener is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of digital art.
So go ahead, make the change, and let Photoshop unleash your creative potential with every click. After all, in the realm of digital art, efficiency and convenience are key, and what better way to embody that than by having your go-to tool right at your fingertips? Happy editing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.