How to change the default file type in the open dialog?

Question

When opening a new file in a program, you get an option to filter by file type in the open dialog. Is there a way to change this to all files (.) each time by default?

Answer 1

No. This behavior is controlled by the individual software applications. There is not a global setting in Windows that overrides the application-specific defaults.

This is one place where keyboard shortcuts come in handy. You can quickly press Alt+T, ato navigate to the File Type drop down box then select the "All" item. Yes, a default would be more convenient, but this is not too bad.