Applies to Windows 8, Windows RT

Set program access and computer defaults

In Set Program Access and Computer Defaults, you can make a program inaccessible without uninstalling it. You can also choose the default programs that Windows uses for some common activities such as web browsing and sending email.

Set program access

If you want to make a program inaccessible without uninstalling it, you can set it so it doesn't appear where programs are typically listed. Here’s how:

  1. Open Set Program Access and Computer Defaults by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Default Programs in the search box, tapping or clicking Apps, and then tapping or clicking Default Programs. Under Choose the programs that Windows uses by default, tap or click Set program access and computer defaults. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

  2. Under Choose a configuration, select Custom.

  3. Clear the Enable access to this program check box next to the program you want to make inaccessible, and then tap or click OK.

Notes

Notes

  • You can set the program to be accessible again by reselecting the check box.

  • Changes you make to program access will be applied to all users on this PC.

  • Some non-Microsoft programs might continue to show icons even if you clear the check box for that program.

Set default programs

You can choose the default programs that Windows uses for some common activities such as web browsing and sending email. For help on how to set defaults for other programs, see Choose the programs Windows uses by default.

  1. Open Set Program Access and Computer Defaults by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Default Programs in the search box, tapping or clicking Apps, and then tapping or clicking Default Programs. Under Choose the programs that Windows uses by default, tap or click Set program access and computer defaults. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

  2. Under Choose a configuration, select one of the following:

    • Computer Manufacturer: Programs selected by the computer manufacturer are set as defaults. This option may not be available.

    • Microsoft Windows: Programs that are included with Windows are set as defaults. You can still access all other programs installed on your computer.

    • Non-Microsoft: Non-Microsoft programs that are installed on your computer are set as defaults. Access to the specified Microsoft programs will be removed. You can, however, restore access to Microsoft programs at any time by changing the setting to Custom.

    • Custom: You can select a combination of Windows and non-Microsoft programs as defaults.

Notes

Notes

  • All options presented in the Microsoft Windows and Non-Microsoft configurations are available in the Custom section.

  • In the Custom section, if you select Use my current, the current default program for that category will continue to be used.