Windows 10: Where are the valid executables for the apps that are default on the PC and the apps that...

Let's say I want to open x.rar:

https://i.stack.imgur.com/l5BC3.png


I download an app on the Microsoft Store that enables me to do this:

https://i.stack.imgur.com/M7Vc9.png


Now, to open the file, I click on x.rar and select "open with", and browse to the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps folder. There, I find 3 copies of the folder that should contain the executable for the rar openner.

https://i.stack.imgur.com/4a167.png


I look in each folder, and in the last one, I find an executable file:

https://i.stack.imgur.com/1KRVn.png


But after selecting it and asking the x.rar to open via that path, it gives me the following error:

https://i.stack.imgur.com/kh8nK.png


Yes, I know I can open the file via opening the app and then selecting the file, but that isn't exactly convenient. So my question is, where can I find the valid path to the executable of an app I download on the Windows Store, to which I can open a file by double clicking on it, and the exe of the app I've downloaded will fire up??


Thanks in advance!

:)

 

How to change default app for file type

'Open With > Choose another app' has three step, in the first it only offers apps registered for that file type. If you click 'More apps' it lists all registered apps regardless of suitability. Both these steps have the tick-box for 'Always use...' in my 18363.752. The third step, if needed, is 'Look for another app on this PC'. The 'Always use...' must be ticked before taking this step if you want the change to stick. However, WMP appears at the second step.

For a quick look at a JPG almost anything (including WMP) is more practical than Photos which on my system takes more than ten seconds just to open a photo. The OP is probably not aware that the Windows Photo Viewer is still available in W10, but hidden away. That's my default viewer for JPG.


Restore Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10

And, once enabled, is available in Settings > Apps > Default apps.

 

Executable file for Photo app to set it as default

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Community.

We are glad to provide the assistance required to help resolve the issue.

As per the information that you have provided, I would like to inform that there are no executable files for photos app. The app is installed in your computer along with the OS as a part of the Modern apps package. If you wish to browse for the folder navigate
to Users >AppData >Packages.

Now, coming to setting default program for your photos, I suggest that you follow the steps below to Set Default Program.

1. Navigate to Control Panel > Default Programs.

2. Select Set your Default Programs, select the program that you wish to change.

3. Select the options for the default program and click on OK

Hope this helps

 

How to change default app for file type

@Bree - yes, I'm quite aware of this thanks, but as you will see it's missing. I recall reading that clicking the dialogue at a certain point in blank space made it appear, and trying that once successfully, but doesn't seem to help now. Plenty of other similar reports of this option being missing.





'Fix' described here: (essentially unassociate the extension)
Windows 10 "Always use this app" checkbox missing - Super User