This issue is caused by a bug in the Windows Update that either resets or tries to reset the default app back to what it originally was (usually to the UWP apps). The reason why Windows 10 does this is because, it thinks that the third-party application changed the file associations by incorrect methods. So Windows resets the file associations/default apps.
An app default was reset on Windows 11/10
If you’re experiencing this issue, you can try any of our recommended solutions below and see which fixes the issue. Let’s see the description of the steps involved in the solutions.
1] Set your Default program back to what you want it to be
In Windows 10, to set default apps you will have to go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. You can even choose default apps by file type or protocol and set defaults by app.
This post will show you how to change Default Program settings.
2] Use freeware Stop Resetting My Apps
You can use this freeware called Stop Resetting My Apps. It is a free tool that prevents automatic resetting of default apps, programs and file associations by Windows 10.
3] Uninstall and Hide recently installed Windows Update
If you started experiencing the “An app default was reset” popup notification loop after you install some new programs, software, applications or Windows Updates, you could consider uninstalling the program(s) and/or uninstall the Windows Update to fix the problem. You may then need to Hide the Update.
4] Remove Windows 10 native app
Windows 10 often resets the default app to its built-in applications automatically, like video, audio and image apps. However, you can remove the built-in apps from Windows 10 to avoid the repeated popups of “An app default was reset” on condition that you’ve third-party programs or software with similar features in place. You can set such third-party applications as your default apps. To remove the native UWP apps using PowerShell, do the following: Press Windows key + X, when the jump list appears, press A to launch PowerShell in admin/elevated mode. Copy and paste the command below into the window and hit the Enter. (Note: The two asterisks stand for any sequence of any length so that you don’t need to type the full name of the app.) This example is for the Photos app if you’re having the issue with another in-built app, substitute the name of the app instead. When you want to restore the apps, just copy and paste the command line below into the Windows PowerShell (Admin) environment and hit Enter.
5] Use a Microsoft Account
If you are signed in with a local account then try to switch to the Microsoft account first. Some users reported changing to Microsoft account resolved the “An app default was reset” notification error for them. To switch to Microsoft Account from a local account, do the following:
Press Windows key + I to launch the Settings app.Select Accounts.Click Your Info from the left pane.Select Sign in with a Microsoft Account option and follow any additional on-screen instructions.
6] Turn on Focus Assist
If the “An app default was reset” popup notification doesn’t have an effect on your software usage on Windows 10, then you can disable the popups to stop the distraction. Here’s how:
Right-click the notification icon on the bottom right.Select Focus Assist. and use it.
It will not stop the popup, but it will not disturb you. I hope this works for you.
