Windows 10: Unable to select default program by file type

Subject line states the problem. Attempts to select a program to open a selected file type causes the Windows "select by file type" program to freeze. Sometimes a screen will display a couple of unusable options which, in any case, cannot be activated. Unable to scroll through list of programs with either the mouse wheel or scroll bar.


I am highly specious this problem was caused by the latest Dec 2020 update as I have had problems in the past with Windows updates changing my default file associations back to Windows 10 default file associations. For example I set Adobe Reader to be the default for .PDF files but after installing a Windows update the .PDF file is changed to open with the Windows default program Edge - I think for PDF files.

:)

 

Setting default program by file type

Welcome to Ten Forums Pearson240


See this tutorial, Option Two, Step 3.

Choose Default Apps in Windows 10

 

Default Program Settings Not Setting/Selecting


Hi, a number of people have experienced difficulty with defaults not being retained.

First:
"an application I have installed (EditPad by JGSoft and Adobe Acrobat Pro) is not available to be selected as a default"
It is, unfortunately normal for Win 10 not to list all available programs that might be capable of handling a given extension.

"Two conditions must be met for a program to appear in that list:
1) The program must have registered itself as being capable of handling at least one file type
2) At least one other program must have registered itself of being capable of handling at least one of those same file type(s).
If a program is the only present program capable of handling a specific file type (such as .PPT for PowerPoint files), that program will not appear in the list because there is no alternative."


You can browse to the exe of the program you want to open the file by rt click, Open With, thus:




Second, here are some reasons why defaults may be reset to MS defaults:
Default programs in Win 10.doc

This old thread may also be relevant (assuming it still applies- not checked)
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-un...sion-windows-7

For reference:
Default Apps - Choose in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

 

Can a file extension(.flv) be added to Default Program Associations.

Hi Fred,



Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.



I understand that you are facing issues associating a particular file extension with a program on Windows 10. I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.

To assist you better, please provide the information:

When you say that "Default Program Associations", are you referring to the list of default applications in default programs settings?



I want you to be informed that all the file extensions is listed in the default program settings which is displayed under
Associate a file type or protocol with a program.



In default program list, all the programs or application will be listed. Then we can select each program as default program for opening a particular file.

I suggest you to refer to the below steps to make default program for a particular file extension.

1. Type "Control Panel" without the quotes in search box and click on it.

2. Click on Programs.

3. Then click on Default Programs and click on Choose Default for this Programs.

4. Select .flv file from the list.

Also you can try other steps to associate the a particular extenstion with the program.

1. Type "Control Panel" without the quotes in search box and click on it.

2. Click on Programs.

3. Then click on Associate a file type or protocol with a program
and search for .flv extension from the list.

4. Click on .flv and then click on Change Program.



Reply to us with the information, so that we can assist you better.

Let us know if you need any further assistance on Windows related issues and we will be glad to help.