Windows 10: Explorer.exe permission denied: this file does not have an app associated

It seems like I have gotten logged out of explorer. I followed the recommendation of another Microsoft community form and activated the hidden administrator to try and fix another issue, but it ended up adding more on top.Now, I can't open any explorer related windows eg: recycling bin, file explorer, etc.I get the error: this file does not have an app associated... OR permission denied to explorer.exe Any help would be great than kyou

:)

 

File Association

Hi Precious_RA

It is not easy to remove a file association in Windows 10, the trick is to create a dummy exe file, associate to that and then delete the exe. . .

Open Windows File Explorer

On the view Ribbon (tab) check the box marked 'File Name Extensions'

Close File Explorer

Right click your Desktop and choose New - Text File

Right click that text file and choose rename, then change the file extension on that new file from .txt to .exe

Confirm the change

Right click a .package file, choose open with - Choose another App

Check the box marked 'Always use this app to open .packge files' - IMPORTANT!

Scroll to the bottom and click 'More Apps'

Again scroll to the bottom and choose 'Find another app on this PC'

Navigate to the dummy file exe on your Desktop and click OK

The .package file will not open, this is expected!

Delete the dummy exe file on your Desktop and restart (not shut down) your PC

The file association will then be broken!

 

Problem with Associate files

Hi DavidCamilleri1

Greetings! I am Vijay, an Independent Advisor.

1. Open Notepad > File > Save As > Put a name in File Name: box with extension .exe (example - temp.exe) and change Save As type: to all files and OK

2. Now right click on the file whose association do you want to change or remove > Open with > Choose another app > More apps > Look for another app on this PC > Choose the .exe file of step 1 > OK

Now delete the .exe file of step 1.

This will cause the association to be broken.

Now you can set the association again with Open With

Credit - DaveM121

Do let me know if you have any more question or require further help.

 

Access Denied - Can't take ownership of an .exe file

Hi Juan,

Conflicts with the file permissions is one of the possible reasons why you are unable to delete the .EXE file. For us to assist you better, kindly answer the questions below:

• Have you made any changes to your computer prior to this issue?
• Which version and OS build number of Windows 10 is currently installed? To check, press the
  Windows key, type winver, and press the
  Enter key.
• Have you tried booting your computer in
  safe mode and check if you will still unable to delete the file?

Meanwhile, you can try the troubleshooting steps in this
link to delete the file.

We're looking forward to your response.