Windows 10: Setting File Associations - Another Step Backwards

Periodically, I use Control Panel / Default Programs / Associate a file type ... to go through my file extensions and check the correct program is assigned. You used to be able to click on the right column to sort the program names and easily see all of the unassigned files types together. The latest build just shows a fixed list in the Settings menu designed for idiots. When did this this change occur since I haven't checked for a while? Is there a way of reinstating the old display format which was far more useful?

:)

 

Always Ask Before Opening an image!!

Nope, It did not help.

The Photos app is not the problem, because even when I select another photo viewer app, its the same result.

 

Always Ask Before Opening an image!!

WOW, that is a step backwards, in terms of setting defaults . . .

What might work is resetting the Photos App - that might automatically set the file associations . . .

In the Settings App, go to Apps

Select Photos in the list of installed apps and click 'Advanced Options'

Click Reset and confirm the Reset

 

Gadzooks! You're absolutely correct. I can't find a way to work around this, either. Perhaps one of the customization guys knows a trick here? @Brink @Edwin
I'd be interested to learn if there's a tool or utillity available that can still do what Windows apparently no longer do as well itself.
--Ed--

PS: I found a utility at TheWindowsClub called File Association Fixer v 2.0 that looks like it might do what you want. Check it out, and see what you think...

 

If you use Nirsoft's FileTypesMan (free) and click on column heading Type Name it seems (near enough) to sort them into the order you want.




Not sure how helpful that really is.

(Note- in the above, e.g. iso files open in explorer; there's no specific association. Interestingly I couldn't seem to find iso in Settings, Choose default applications by file type....)

 

I fixed it! Google is your friend. Create the following shortcuts and the previous more useful functionality is restored.

"Set your default programs": control /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms /page pageDefaultProgram
"Associate a file type or protocol with a program": control /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms /page pageFileAssoc

These commands are on the forum here but I found them elsewhere List of Commands to Open Control Panel Items in Windows 10

 

You probably need to go here in the Control Panel:




- nothing to fix?

Thus e.g:

 

That's what I'm doing but the latest build takes you to the settings menu.See my Post 2 for a fix which I posted the same time as yours.

 

I'm using 16299.248 - which is yours?

A shortcut would be handy if you use it frequently, so useful find.

 

I get to the proper window but it won't load.

 

Thanks for the great follow-up, guys. Dalchina: you and I seem to take turns recommending Nir Sofer's always great tools. I'm also glad the OP found a command line/command method to access "the right stuff."
--Ed--

PS: Brink also points out the following

 

*cry*cry Does the equivalent (approx) Settings page open ok?

 

Yeah, but I miss this page:

 

Oh, this seems to point to Settings.... !



Maybe via a shortcut in the tutorial (which was quoted above)
List of Commands to Open Control Panel Items in Windows 10 Windows 10 Tutorials

 

Nope! Not on Build 17101 and up! *Sad