Windows 10: Can't set default apps to open filetypes

It is completely impossible for me to change or set a default program for any files. The "Open With" window doesn't function and the "Choose default apps by file type" just freezes and doesn't change any time I set a default program.

:)

 

'Choose default app by filetype' broken for non-Store apps

I cannot select a new default app for a filetype.

I am using a Surface Go with S mode disabled and 'Allow apps from anywhere' selected under 'Settings > Apps > Apps & features.' The app I want to set as a default (Notepad++) is a downloaded executable, not an app from the Windows Store.

If I right-click on a .txt file, select 'Open with > Choose another app,' select Notepad++, and check 'Always use this app to open text files,' no change is effected. The file opens just fine with Notepad++, but Notepad remains the default app. There is
no error message. It just doesn't work.

If I go into 'Settings > Apps > Default apps > Choose default apps by filetype,' I can scroll down to '.txt,' click on the current default, and select a new app. This works fine if I select an app from the Windows Store (e.g. WordPad). If I select Notepad++
or any other downloaded executable, however, Settings reverts to the system default (Notepad).

Again, no error message. It is simply broken.

Thank you for any help.

 

How to set Microsoft Photos App as default

Hello,

We understand the issue you are facing and will assist you.

I suggest you to follow the steps provided below and check if it helps.

• Navigate to Start>Settings>System.
• In the left pane, click on Default Apps.
• In the right pane, click on Choose default apps by file type.
• Set the default App to open .jpg files and check for status.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.

 

Lost default photo viewer after profile rebuild


Thanks Brink. I've tried those steps before i started searching Google. After the profile rebuild i don't have the Photo app listed to choose to make it default in either the system settings for default apps or the Open With option.

I can't even find it doing a search. Seems to have been removed somehow with the profile rebuild, which doesn't make sense.

Might be helpful to list what i've done I've done the open with check, the choose default program in the system menu, tried that in device manager default programs also. I've checked the programs and features Turn windows features on/off and it's not listed there (never thought it was but that was a suggestion), searched the MS Store, it's not listed there either.

I don't like playing in the registry unless i have defined steps and haven't found anything for this yet, just the Win7 version like in my OP.