Why can’t I set Notepad as the Default App for *.md (Markdown) files?

Resolving Issues with Setting Notepad as the Default App for Markdown Files

If you’ve been using Notepad to work with Markdown (*.md) files without any issues, suddenly encountering problems setting Notepad as the default application can be frustrating. This scenario is not uncommon among users, and various factors can contribute to this disruption. Below, we will explore potential reasons for this issue, provide troubleshooting steps, and suggest solutions to help restore your workflow.

Potential Causes

1. Windows Updates: Sometimes, a recent Windows update can alter file associations. Updates may reset default applications or change settings without user consent, leading to unforeseen problems down the road.
2. File Association Settings: It’s possible that the file associations for Markdown files have been inadvertently changed or corrupted. This can prevent Notepad from being recognized as the default program.
3. User Profile Corruptions: User profiles can get corrupted over time, leading to strange behaviors with applications. This might be a factor, especially if the issue is isolated to your account.
4. Third-Party Software Conflicts: If you have installed new applications or updates (such as text editors or IDEs), they may have claimed or overridden the Markdown file association.

Troubleshooting Steps

Before trying to fix the issue, it can be helpful to verify if this problem occurs across different user accounts or just yours. If it’s widespread, it may indicate a system-level issue.

1. Check File Associations:
   • Open Settings and navigate to Apps > Default Apps.
   • Scroll down and select Choose default apps by file type.
   • Find the *.md file extension and ensure it is set to Notepad. If it’s not available, proceed to the steps below.
2. Manually Set Default App:
   • Right-click any *.md file.
   • Select Open with > Choose another app.
   • If Notepad does not appear, click on More apps and then scroll to the bottom and select Look for another app on this PC. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 and select Notepad.exe.
   • Make sure to check the box for Always use this app to open .md files.
3. Resetting Default Apps:
   • Back in the Default Apps settings, scroll down to find the Reset button to reset to Microsoft recommended defaults. After doing this, go back and reattempt the above steps to set Notepad.
4. Creating a New User Profile:
   • If the issue persists, consider creating a new user account to see if it resolves the problem. If it operates correctly there, this indicates a problem with your original profile.
5. Registry Edit (Advanced):
   • As a last resort, you can edit the Registry to update the file association directly. However, this step is for advanced users, as improper changes can lead to system issues.

Conclusion

Experiencing glitches like being unable to set Notepad as the default app for Markdown files can be perplexing. However, following the outlined troubleshooting steps should help you reset your default file associations and restore your efficient workflow. As always, keeping your system updated and maintaining clean profiles can prevent these issues in the future. If the problem persists despite all efforts, considering support from Microsoft or community forums may provide additional insights and solutions.