NICEVILLE, Fla. — A reader from Niceville asks why his computer keeps resetting his browser and other default apps, and Jeff Werner has some thoughts — and a possible fix.
QUESTION:
Hello from our fair city: Niceville, yes it is…
I have a question that I’m hoping you can help with. I’m running Windows 10 with the latest updates. I use the Chrome browser and the VLC app.
Every time the system reboots, the default browser (and other default apps) are changed to Microsoft apps. Then, I have to go through the exercise of changing them all back to my preferences.
I’ve looked all over the Internet and found various techniques that are supposed to prevent this but none have worked. I even went so far as to use DISM to export the default app settings and then try to import them after the reboot—to no avail.
Have you any solutions to this problem?
– Johnny B.
Niceville, Florida
ANSWER:
Your statements about your fair city have me wondering whether you realize that I too, live in Niceville.
For those of you not fortunate enough to reside in Johnny’s and my local area, allow me to answer your unasked question and say yes, it is very nice. In fact, the local Kiwanis organization has a marquee along Boggy Bayou here that reads: “Nice Town” “Nice Folks” Have a “Nice Time.”
Questionable use of quotation marks aside, most agree that it lives up to its name in niceness. A bit of trivia for you before I move on: ours is the only “Niceville” in the entire United States. So, if you want to know more, we’re easy to find on Google.
Now, Johnny, as for your issues with the default browser and other settings being changed upon reboot, the first thing I would have done is perform a Google search for that symptom, but you kind of blew a big hole in my solution path with what you said in your submission.
Nevertheless, the only specific thing you mentioned trying was using the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool to perform a function that I never even knew it could do. So, I’m going to have to make recommendations based on what I know.
By the way, if I understand what you said you did, it’s almost a certainty that you exported the current settings rather than the default settings and then turned around and then re-imported them again after rebooting, making the sum total of your effort a net zero change. I would be interested in hearing more about the DISM commands you used in the attempt.
The fact that settings are being restored to what they would have been when Windows was first installed is telling (and I’m guessing what led you to try using DISM).
One way to guarantee that this doesn’t happen is to simply remove or hide the options that you don’t want from the system. For example, disabling or removing Microsoft’s default Edge browser, since you prefer Google Chrome.
This seems like a nuclear option, but you did say you’ve tried many different things, none of which have worked. So, I’m hoping you’ll give this a shot.
There are multiple things to try and multiple ways to try them. The bulk of the instructions are quite a bit too large to fit in the column, so I’m going to suggest that you head back to the Internet to read them. One way you can read about them is by visiting TinyURL.com/IGTM-0933 and drilling down where it says “Show more.”
You can pick and choose which methods you use to try and stay in control of what your system does.
Closing Note:
Questions! I need your questions! Actually, I’ve been pretty pleased with reader responses lately.
The influx of submissions has been quite good for the past few months but has slacked way off, so it’s time for me to remind you again. I will take a crack at answering questions about any aspect of technology, not just computers. Make your submission through my website.
Also, if you don’t already know, It’s Geek To Me has a nice little page on Facebook where I publish historical technology info, old commercials, and other fun tech-related stuff. Check it out, and while you’re there, give it a “Like” to let me know you’re reading it!
To view additional content, comment on articles, or submit a question, visit my website at ItsGeekToMe.co (not .com!)
Jeff Werner, a software engineer based in Niceville, Florida, has been writing his popular “It’s Geek to Me” tech column since 2007. He shares his expertise to help readers solve everyday tech challenges.
