iTunes for Windows: How to make iTunes the default application for music and audio files

iTunes can play many types of audio files available on the Internet. Using Windows, you can select iTunes as the default application to open audio files.

For a complete list of the kinds of audio files iTunes can play, see, "iTunes: Compatible Audio File Types".

There are two ways that iTunes for Windows can be configured as the default application. The preferred way is to configure using iTunes preferences. The other is to use the Set Program Access and Defaults program.


Changing the default media application

Using iTunes

1. Open iTunes.
   
2. From the Edit menu, choose Preferences.
   
3. Click the Advanced button and then click the General tab.
   
4. Click "Use iTunes as the default player for all audio files" to select this option.
   

Note: Deselecting this option tells Windows to use the default application you used before iTunes.

Using Set Program Access and Defaults application

1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, then click Set Program Access and Defaults
   
   
   The Set Program Access and Defaults window appears.
   
   
2. Click the arrow to the right of Custom.
   
   
   
3. Under the "Choose a default media player:" heading, click iTunes.
   
   
   
4. Click OK.
   

Note: To make a different application the default media player, follow these same steps and select the application you want to use.