Windows 10: Removal of custom default app

I'm using Windows 10 Pro 1909 (18363.535). It seems that I can no longer select an arbitrary executable to open a specific file type. For example, I have the portable version of the photo viewing app IrfanView on my hard disk, but there appears to be no way to make it my default photo viewing app. The last way that used to work appears to now be gone, which was: Right-click an example of the type of file I want to open (e.g., a .jpg), choose Open With -> Choose another app, (if your list is long, scroll to the bottom and choose "More apps"), then scroll to the bottom of the list of apps and choose Select an App on this PC, then you could choose anything on your hard disk. Now that feature has caught up with the obscene limitation of the other methods of only being able to choose an app from the Windows Store.

I can imagine Microsoft claiming it is for security reasons, but that's obviously not a good enough reason to be forced into their store. If I'm developing a new photo viewing app and want it to open as the default, nothing should be stopping me. Is there any way to choose a custom executable to open a file type with?

:)

 

Removal of custom default app

Works for me in 1903. Even with the app stored on a USB key.

It seems that the more apps option is missing for the OP.

 

Removal of custom default app

Odd. This is what I see with 1909, build 18363.535.

Right-cilck on a .jpg and select Open with > Choose another app





scroll to the bottom and choose More apps. Tick the box for 'Always use this app to open .jpg files'. Scroll to the bottom and select 'Look for another app on this PC'.







Then browse to find Irfanview Portable.

 

Removal of custom default app

Okay fixed for me.

How?

Right click Irfanview Portable executable and "Run as administrator"

Go to Options > Set File Associations.

Choose image formats only.




Result:




After the change: