Microsoft Win 10 22H2 and Office professional Plus 2019.
In Windows 10, the .rtf file extension is associated with Microsoft Word by default.
https://www.zubairalexander.com/blog/how-to-open-rich-text-format-rtf-files-in-wordpad-by-default/
However, if the default .rtf file association changes back to Wordpad, a message will appear when you open the Word program informing you that it is not the default program.
To prevent this message from appearing, open Word and go to File > Options > General. Scroll down to Startup options and uncheck the "Tell me if Microsoft Word isn't the default program for viewing and editing documents" option.