How To Change File Associations In Windows 7

Whenever you try to open a file in Windows, the system checks the type of the file by reading its extension (known as "Filename extension") and and then launches the appropriate program associated with this blazon of file in order to open/view the file. If Windows doesn't recognize the file's extension, then the user is prompted with an "Open up with" dialog on "How practice yous want to open up this file?".

change restore default file associations

Many times there is the demand to change the already associated program or app for a specific blazon of file(south), and so I write this tutorial which contains detailed instructions on how you lot can specify a different plan or awarding to handle a specific file type on a Windows 10, Windows viii & 8.one and Windows 7 Bone.

How To Change Default Programs & File Associations in Windows 10, 8 & 7.

Method 1. Choose the Default Plan for specific extension(s).

Method 2. Associate a specific extension to open with a default program.

Extra: How to restore the default "Open With" dialog for unknown extension(south).

Method 1. Choose a Default Program for specific file types (extensions).

The manner to cull a default programme for a specific type of files, is from Control Console > Default Programs. To do that:

In Windows 7 : click the Showtime menu and then choose Control Panel. Ready the View by to Small icons and so choose Default Programs.

In Windows x & Windows eight.1: Right click on the First card and then choose Control Panel. Set the View by to Small icons and so choose Default Programs.

control panel all items

At Default programs options, choose Fix your default programs.

Change Default Programs

At the left pane select the application that yous want and then click:

a. Set this plan as default to make the selected application every bit the default application to open all files types that it tin handle, or

change file open with program

b. Choose defaults for this plan to choose which specific file types the selected application can open up past default. *

change file associations

* b1. If y'all select the Choose defaults for this program pick, then a new window volition open that lists all the extensions (types of files) that the selected program tin can handle (open). Expect at the list of extensions and select any other extensions (files types) you want to be opened by the selected programme. After making your changes, click Save.

set default program

Method 2. Associate a specific file type (extension) to open with a default programme.

The 2d method is to choose a default program past extension.

1. Go to Control Panel > Default programs and select Associate a file blazon or protocol with a plan.

Associate a file type with program

two. From the list of file extensions, select the extension that y'all desire to alter the default program to open with and then click Change plan.

set file associations

3. Finally select from the suggested programs or select More apps to find another plan on your reckoner, to open files with the selected file extension.

change program association

Actress: How to restore the default "Open up With" ("How do y'all want to open this file") dialog for an unknown blazon of file (extension).

If Windows don't have a program associated with a file blazon then it will ask the user to choose a plan to open the unknown file. In this question, the user must specify a program to open that type of file and optionally he can select the "Always use this program" option, to always open the same blazon of file(s) by using the same program of app in the future.

restore open with dialog

If after selecting the "Always use this program" selection the user decides to modify the associated program for the same type of file(s) then information technology tin can correct-click at the unknown file and from the right click carte du jour to select the "Open with" option in order to associate a different plan.

But, if the user changes his decision and doesn't desire any program to exist associated with the selected type of file (extension) there is no way, using Windows GUI, to break the program association and to restore the default "Open With" prompt with this type of blazon (extension).

To restore the default "Open With" dialog for a (previously unknown) file blazon (extension), you have to utilize the Windows Registry Editor. To do that:

1. Simultaneously printing the Windows key + R keys to open the 'Run' command box.

two. In run control box, type: regedit and press Enter.

regedit

3. IMPORTANT: Before you continue, first accept a backup of your registry. To do that:

i. From the master menu, go to File & select Export.

registry backup

2. Specify a destination location (e.grand. your Desktop), requite a filename to the exported registry file (east.g. "RegistryUntouched"), select at Consign range: All and press Save.

backup registry

iv. Afterwards you have backed up your registry, delete the corresponding extension key (e.g. ".admx") of the extension that yous want to disassemble (dissociate), nether the following tree (3) locations in the registry:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Roaming\OpenWith\FileExts\

detach extension from a program

5. Close Registry Editor and restart you computer.

Later on the restart, whenever you endeavour to open a file that has the same extension as the deleted one from the registry, Windows will prompt you with the default "Open with" dialog.

Yous 're washed! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to assistance others.

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