Cannot change default program for some extensions

Question

I cannot change the default "Open with..." program for some file extensions such as .mpeg or .mp4.

The "Open with..." dialog appears but there is no "Always use this app for .mp4 files" checkbox.

I can change the associations from the "Choose default apps by file type" settings page, but it is extremely annoying.

I am running Windows 10 version 1903 build 18362.175 (clean install from 2 days ago).

Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Ok, I found out how to fix it.

Bascially in the Default Apps page of the settings, one of the default apps ("video player" in my specific case) was empty because I had uninstalled the default app (planning on using MPC-HC instead).

I think that, for some reason, if the Default App field related to some extension is empty, the user cannot choose another program for that extension.

I just reinstalled the app I had uninstalled and reset the Default Apps to the defaults.

Answer 2

Thank you both for the reply, but I already tried all that.

In the properties of the files with the aforementioned extensions there is no change button and there is no "Use this app always to open...." checkbox under the apps list.

Answer 3

Hi Mattia

I am Vijay, an Independent Advisor. I am here to work with you on this problem.

Start concerned app which you want to make default > CTRL+SHIFT+ESC to open task manager > Right click on this app (you may require to expand it and click on an entry) > Properties > Note down .exe file name

Right click > Open File Location > Now, you have the location where this app's program location is

Right click on the concerned file in File explorer > Open with > Choose another app > More apps > Look for another app on this PC > Now go to that location which you picked up above and choose the exe file which you picked up above > You can also choose Use this app always to open....

Do let me know if you require any further help on this. Will be glad to help you.

Answer 4

Hi Mattia

My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

Try pointing to the file such as the .MP4 video

Right click it

Click Properties

Click the General tab

Click Change

Choose the program you want to open the file then click OK

This should set it as the default

Click Apply then OK