How to Make .txt Files Default Open as .xml Files

Summary

The following article provides instructions on how to make .txt files default open as .xml files.

Body

Description

The following article provides instructions on how to make .txt files default open as .xml files. 

Instructions

1. Right-click the Windows icon on your task bar, click Settings:

2. Select Apps in the left pane, click Default apps.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the Apps > Default apps page. Under Related settings, click Choose defaults by file type.

4. In the Search for file types box, type .txt. After a couple seconds, you should see the Notepad application. Click Notepad.

5. If Excel is listed, select it and click the Set default button; your .txt files should now open as .xml files.

If Excel is not listed, continue with the rest of the steps. 

In the Select a default app for .txt files box pop-up, scroll to the bottom and click Choose an app on your PC.

6. Click the drop-down next to This PC, click Windows (C:).

7. After clicking Windows (C:), type the following path: 'C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs'. Hit Enter on your keyboard.

8. Scroll towards the bottom, looking for and selecting Excel. Click Open.

9. On the Select a default app for .txt files pop-up, select Excel. Click the Set default button.

10. All .txt files should now open as .xml (Excel) files.

Details

Details

Article ID: 4135
Created
Wed 8/19/26 3:39 PM
Modified
Mon 8/24/26 2:33 PM