- March 5, 2023
- 10:57 pm
- No Comments
How to Change Default Apps on Linux
On Linux, you can change the default apps for various file types using the command line. The process can vary slightly depending on your Linux distribution. Here are the steps for changing default apps on Debian-based, Arch-based, and RPM-based distros.
Debian/Ubuntu-based distros
Debian-based distributions, such as Ubuntu, use the update-alternatives command to manage default apps.
Step 1: Open Terminal
Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for it in the applications menu.
Step 2: Find Alternative Apps
To list the available alternatives for a specific file type, run:
update-alternatives –list <file-type>
Replace <file-type> with the file type you want to change the default app for. For example, if you want to change the default web browser, run:
update-alternatives –list x-www-browser
Step 3: Change Default App
To choose the alternative that you want to use as the default app, run:
sudo update-alternatives –config <file-type>
Again, replace <file-type> with the file type you want to change the default app for.
You’ll be presented with a list of available alternatives for the file type. Choose the number that corresponds to the alternative you want to use and press Enter.
Fedora/RPM-based distros
Fedora/RPM-based distributions, such as Fedora, use the alternatives command to manage default apps.
Step 1: Open Terminal
Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for it in the applications menu.
Step 2: Find Alternative Apps
To list the available alternatives for a specific file type, run:
alternatives –display <file-type>
Replace <file-type> with the file type you want to change the default app for. For example, if you want to change the default web browser, run:
alternatives –display x-www-browser
Step 3: Change Default App
To choose the alternative that you want to use as the default app, run:
sudo alternatives –set <file-type> <alternative>
Replace <file-type> with the file type you want to change the default app for, and <alternative> with the name of the alternative you want to use. For example, to set Firefox as the default web browser, run:
sudo alternatives –set x-www-browser /usr/bin/firefox
Note that the path to the alternative executable may vary depending on your system.
Arch-based distros
Arch-based distributions, such as Manjaro, use the xdg-mime command to manage default apps.
Step 1: Open Terminal
Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for it in the applications menu.
Step 2: Find Alternative Apps
To list the available alternatives for a specific file type, run:
xdg-mime query default <file-type>
Replace <file-type> with the file type you want to change the default app for. For example, if you want to change the default web browser, run:
xdg-mime query default x-scheme-handler/http
Step 3: Change Default App
To choose the alternative that you want to use as the default app, run:
xdg-mime default <app.desktop> <file-type>
Replace <app.desktop> with the name of the .desktop file for the alternative app you want to use, and <file-type> with the file type you want to change the default app for. For example, to set Firefox as the default web browser, run:
xdg-mime default firefox.desktop x-scheme-handler/http
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing default apps on Linux is a simple and useful task that can greatly enhance your productivity and user experience. By following the steps outlined in this how-to guide, you can easily configure your Linux system to use your preferred applications for various file types and actions. Whether you want to open PDF files with a different PDF viewer or use a different browser as your default, Linux makes it easy to customize your system to your liking. By taking advantage of Linux’s flexibility and open-source nature, you can create a personalized computing environment that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Please Leave Feedback and Corrections in the Comments
More to Explore
How to Access Google Drive on Ubuntu
Google Drive has become an essential tool for many users, allowing them to store and access files in the cloud and collaborate with others.
10 Linux Terms You Must Know
When getting started with Linux, you’ll encounter a variety of unique terms and concepts that are crucial to understanding the Linux ecosystem.
How to Check Hardware Information on Linux
Getting detailed information about your Linux system’s hardware is essential for troubleshooting, optimizing performance, and upgrading components.
How to Run Android on Ubuntu
Running Android on Linux can be a useful way to access Android apps and games on your Linux machine or test and develop Android applications.
How to Listen to Internet Radio on Linux
Internet radio offers a vast array of music, news, and talk stations from around the world.
How to Recover Deleted Files on Linux
Accidentally deleting important files is a common issue that many users face.
How to Access a Remote Linux Machine From Windows
Accessing a remote Linux machine from a Windows computer can be a useful skill for various tasks.
7 Mistakes New Linux Users Make
Linux is a powerful and versatile operating system that offers a wealth of benefits, including increased security, flexibility, and customization.
How to View WebP Images on Ubuntu
WebP is an image format developed by Google that provides superior compression and faster loading times compared to other image formats.