You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Change default app for opening documents

OS 11.2.3 - will not let me change the default program for opening documents. The documents are Word .doc or .docx. They only show Illustrator as the program for opening. I can select Microsoft Word from the list and click change all. It immediately returns to Illustrator as the opening app.

MacBook Pro 15″, 10.15

Posted on Mar 12, 2021 6:47 PM

Reply

Similar questions

7 replies

Mar 14, 2021 3:19 PM in response to johomac

Hi there johomac,


We understand you're experiencing an issue with your documents opening in the wrong app and the options changing unexpectedly. We'd like to share some steps that may help.


To begin, restart your Mac and try opening the documents again: Log out, sleep, wake, restart, or shut down your Mac


If the issue persists, start your Mac in safe mode, and check for the issue there: How to use safe mode on your Mac


Cheers!

Mar 14, 2021 3:33 PM in response to dialabrain

Went to add the following and hit the Post button:


Boot into Safe Mode by booting with the Shift key held down and check there to see if the problem persists.  Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files




Change default app for opening documents

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.