Guide How to Change Windows 10 Default Maps App to Google Chrome Maps

An In-Depth Guide to Mastering Windows 10

With over 700 million active devices, Windows 10 has emerged as the world’s most popular desktop operating system. Its wide array of handy features empowers users to multitask efficiently and access their data seamlessly across devices. However, navigating this complex OS can seem daunting, especially for novices.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through Windows 10 from start to finish, equipping you with the skills to master this powerful platform. From customizing your desktop and managing files to increasing productivity and securing your system, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge to unlock the full potential of Windows 10. So buckle up, and let’s get cracking!

Customizing Your Desktop for Maximum Efficiency

The key to working productively on Windows 10 is optimizing your desktop layout. Let’s explore some quick customizations to streamline your experience:

How do I set a default app in Windows 10?

When you find the file type that you want to configure, click on the name of its default app (or on Choose a default ). A list of apps is shown, that can open the selected file type. In that list, click or tap the app that you want to set as the default. The setting is applied immediately by Windows 10.

How do I change the default browser on Windows 10?

To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and click Choose default apps by protocol at the bottom. Find the Microsoft-Edge protocol and change it to EdgeDeflector. Now, the app will run in the background and change Taskbar web searches from Edge to your default browser.

• Resize taskbar icons for a cleaner look. Right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar Settings > Use small taskbar buttons.

• Pin frequently used apps to the taskbar for quick access. Right-click an app icon, choose Pin to taskbar.

• Adjust transparency effects. Right click desktop, select Personalize > Colors > Make Start, taskbar and action center transparent.

• Enable dark mode for comfortable viewing. Go to Personalization > Colors, choose Dark under Choose your color.

• Show desktop icons you need, hide ones you don’t via the desktop context menu. Right-click the desktop, select View > uncheck items to hide.

• Resize desktop icon size for a roomier workspace. Right-click the desktop, choose View > Medium icons or Large icons.

Take a moment to customize desktop elements like background, colors, and screensaver to your liking. A personalized desktop boosts productivity.

Master File Explorer for Flawless File Management

The File Explorer is your go-to hub for locating, organizing and managing data. Let’s go over some essential skills:

• Access File Explorer quickly by pressing Win + E.

  Why can’t I Choose an app as the default?

  IMPORTANT: If you cannot choose an app as the default for a specific file type or protocol, it means that the app is not installed correctly in Windows 10, or it cannot work with that file type/protocol. Windows 10 apps can work with a specific list of file types, based on what they do, and on how their developer has programmed them.

  How do I change the default app in Windows 10?

  Select Start > Settings > Apps > Default apps. To change the default app, you can do either of the following: In the search bar, enter the file type or link type you want, then select it from the list of results. You can choose which app can open that file or link type. Select an app to see what file types or link types it can open.

  How do I change default apps in Windows 10?

  Easiest way: Go to Start > Settings > Select Apps > Default Apps. Select a current default to change it, then choose a new option. Or, go to Control Panel > Default Apps > Set defaults by app. Select an app and choose Set this program as default. Or, go to Start > Settings > System > Default apps > Choose default apps by file type.

• Pin frequent folders like Documents or Downloads to Quick Access for fast navigation. Right-click a folder, select Pin to Quick access.

• Use search to instantly find files. Type keywords in the File Explorer search bar and hit Enter.

• Create color-coded folders for intuitive organization. Right-click, select Properties > choose color under Folder Color.

• Split the window to multi-task. Click the View tab, check Split. Drag split bars to resize panels.

• Sync files across devices with OneDrive. Save files to your OneDrive folder so they’re accessible anywhere.

Mastering File Explorer accelerates your workflow. With the above skills, you can effortlessly manage endless archives of data.

Multitasking Like a Pro with Time-Saving Tips

Juggling multiple tasks is a breeze with Windows 10’s multitasking capabilities. Let’s go over some power-user techniques:

• Snap windows to split screen. Drag a window to the left/right edge until it snaps. Repeat to fill the other side.

• Cascade windows for overlapping visuals. Open multiple windows, then right-click the taskbar and select Cascade windows.

  How do I change the default file types in Windows 10?

  Alternatively, press Windows + I. You can find the option by clicking “Default apps” in your sidebar to open the default apps settings page, then scrolling to the bottom. In the app’s settings window, click the app icon next to the file types you’d like to change and choose a different option from the list.

  How do I change a file extension in Windows 10?

  These extensions are used to identify the program, with which, windows can open this file. You can set or change these file associations in your Windows 11 or Windows 10 OS. Make your changes here. to open Windows Settings. Select a file type or extension. Choose an app you want to set as default.

  What is a default program in Windows 10?

  Windows keeps a list of apps that it always uses to open certain types of media or links. These are called default programs. For example, when you double-click an MP4 file, Windows opens it in your default video player. Out of the box, this is the Movies & TV app, but you can change it to a different player with more features.

  How do I find the default file extension in Windows 10?

  If you’re not sure what extension the file is using, open File Explorer to find the file and use the View > File name extensions option to show file extensions. In the Choose default apps by file type window, select the program to the right of the file extension. If there isn’t one listed, select Choose a default instead.

• Quickly switch apps with Alt + Tab. Hold down Alt and press Tab to cycle through open apps.

• Launch Task View to see all open windows. Click the Task View button on the taskbar or press Win + Tab.

• Create virtual desktops for grouping projects. Open Task view, click New desktop, launch apps. Switch desktops using the Task view.

With these time-savers, you can effortlessly run multiple apps, maintaining your focus while working on different projects.

Safeguard Your System with Security Best Practices

While Windows Defender provides adequate protection, a few precautions will help you fortify your system:

• Maintain real-time scanning. Keep Windows Defender’s automatic monitoring enabled under Virus & threat protection settings.

• Regularly check for updates. Install the latest security patches by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

• Use strong passwords. Create complex passwords with upper/lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords.

• Think before clicking. Use discretion before opening email attachments or clicking pop-up links to avoid malware traps.

  How do I change my default apps in Windows 10?

  To change your default programs in Windows 10, follow these steps to access the default apps settings page: Go to Settings > Apps. Click Default apps in the pane on the left. You’ll see your default apps for common uses here, like Email, Music player, Web browser, and more.

  How do I change my default program preferences in Windows 10?

  Using the Settings app to change your default program preferences is easy and quick. Microsoft recommends using this method, as the Control Panel is being phased out. Go to Start and choose Settings . Select Apps > Default apps .

• Back up religiously. Use File History to automatically backup files and System Image Backup for full system images.

Staying secure online boils down to staying vigilant. By being cautious and keeping Windows 10 updated, you can protect your system from cyberattacks.

Final Tips for Windows 10 Mastery

To recap, here are some final pointers:

• Utilize keyboard shortcuts to save time. Press Win + X to open a power user menu.

• Configure notifications to avoid distractions. Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions to customize per app.

• Check out Windows Store for useful apps like Evernote, Spotify, Zoom and more. Search for apps using the Store icon in the taskbar.

• Try Cortana. Click the Cortana search box next to the Start button to search your system, set reminders and more using natural voice commands.

Take time exploring Windows 10’s deeper capabilities – from touchscreen gestures to Xbox integration. As you discover new features, think about how you can incorporate them into your personal workflow.

With the fundamentals covered in this guide, you’re now ready to unlock the full potential of Windows 10. Use the tips discussed here to boost your productivity and customize an optimal Windows experience. So embrace your inner power user, and happy exploring!

References

1. https://support.google.com/maps/thread/131036183/how-to-change-default-location-in-google-maps?hl=en
2. https://droidrant.com/how-do-i-set-google-maps-as-my-default-in-windows-10/