How to Change the Default 3ds Max Version for MAX Files

Introduction

If you have more than one version of 3ds Max installed, double-clicking a .max file may open the wrong version.

This is common when older projects need to stay in an older version of 3ds Max, or when a newer installation changes the default file association.

You can fix this from the Windows Registry Editor by changing the version that opens by default. You can also add extra right-click options so you can choose which version to use for each file.

Important: The Registry Editor controls Windows settings. Only edit the keys shown in this tutorial.

What This Tutorial Covers

You will learn how to:

• Change the default 3ds Max version that opens when double-clicking .max files.
• Edit the 3ds Max file association command.
• Add a custom right-click option for another 3ds Max version.

This is useful when you work with several versions, for example 3ds Max 2020, 2022, or newer.

Open the Windows Registry Editor

First, open the Windows Run window.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type regedit.
3. Click OK.

This opens the Windows Registry Editor.

Go to the 3ds Max Open Command

In the Registry Editor, go to this path:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\shell\open\command

You can browse to it manually from the folder tree, or paste the path into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor.

The key you need is:

command

Inside it, you will see a value called Default.

Change the Default 3ds Max Version

Double-click the Default entry.

This opens the value used by Windows when you double-click a .max file.

If you installed 3ds Max in the default Autodesk folder, the path usually points to something like:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2022\3dsmax.exe

To make .max files open in 3ds Max 2020, change the version number in the path.

For example, change:

3ds Max 2022

to:

3ds Max 2020

Then click OK.

Now, when you double-click a .max file, Windows will open it with 3ds Max 2020.

Tip: If you installed 3ds Max in a custom folder, make sure the full path points to the correct 3dsmax.exe file.

Why This Works

Windows uses registry commands to decide what application opens a file type.

For .max files, the command stored in:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\shell\open\command

tells Windows which 3dsmax.exe file to launch.

So if that path points to 3ds Max 2022, .max files open in 2022. If you change it to 2020, they open in 2020 instead.

Add a Right-Click Option for Another Version

Changing the default version is useful, but sometimes you may want more control.

For example, you may want double-click to open files in one version, but still have a right-click option for another version.

You can add this manually in the registry.

Create a New Shell Key

Go to this registry location:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\shell

Right-click the shell folder and choose:

New > Key

Give the new key a clear name, for example:

Open Max 2020

This name will appear in the right-click menu.

Create the Command Key

Now right-click your new key:

Open Max 2020

Choose:

New > Key

Name this new key:

command

Your structure should now look like this:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\shell\Open Max 2020\command

Add the 3ds Max Path

Select the new command key.

Double-click the Default value.

In the Value data field, enter the path to the 3ds Max version you want to use.

For a default 3ds Max 2020 installation, the path will be similar to:

"C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2020\3dsmax.exe" "%1"

The important part is the %1 at the end.

Why %1 Is Important

The %1 tells Windows to send the selected .max file to 3ds Max.

Without it, Windows may open 3ds Max, but it will not correctly pass the file you right-clicked.

Important: Keep %1 at the end of the command.

Test the New Right-Click Option

Now find a .max file in Windows Explorer.

Right-click the file.

You should see your new option, for example:

Open Max 2020

Click it, and the file should open in the 3ds Max version linked to that command.

Add More Versions If Needed

You can repeat the same process for other versions of 3ds Max.

For example, you could create:

• Open Max 2020
• Open Max 2022
• Open Max 2024

Each option needs its own:

• shell key
• command key
• path to the correct 3dsmax.exe
• %1 at the end

This gives you a simple right-click menu for choosing the correct version before opening a scene.

Common Mistakes

Editing the Wrong Version Number

If the path still points to the wrong folder, Windows will continue opening the wrong 3ds Max version.

Check the full path carefully.

Forgetting %1

If you create a custom right-click command, make sure %1 is included at the end.

This is what tells Windows which .max file to open.

Using the Wrong Install Path

If your 3ds Max installation is not in the default Autodesk folder, the example path may not match your computer.

Use the real path to your installed version of 3dsmax.exe.

Summary

To change the default 3ds Max version for .max files:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type regedit.
3. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\shell\open\command.
4. Edit the Default value.
5. Change the path to the 3ds Max version you want.

To add a right-click option:

1. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\3dsmax\shell.
2. Create a new key, such as Open Max 2020.
3. Create a command key inside it.
4. Add the path to 3dsmax.exe.
5. Add %1 at the end.

Conclusion

When several versions of 3ds Max are installed, Windows may not always open the version you expect.

By editing the file association in the Registry Editor, you can control which version opens by default. By adding custom right-click entries, you can also choose the correct 3ds Max version for each project.

This is a small workflow fix, but it can save a lot of confusion when working across different 3ds Max versions.