How to block the "open with" option of all files, or the "property option" of files

Question

Hi!

I would like that all my "csv" files are open with only one "specific program" and the option to change this "specific program" and choose another program to open any CSV file is password protected or blocked to the user.

Thanks in advance for the help and suggestions

Answer 1

Hello,

There is no specific registry key or Group Policy setting that directly disables only the "Open With" option in the context menu for a certain file type.

Based on your situation, implementing strict UAC settings or using standard user accounts without administrative privileges can be a viable strategy, but this is an indirect solution. Here's how you can proceed:

1. UAC helps prevent unauthorized changes by prompting for administrator credentials when certain actions are attempted. To adjust UAC settings:

• Open Control Panel > System and Security > Change User Account Control settings.
• Move the slider towards the top to set UAC to its most secure setting ("Always notify"). This will prompt for admin approval more frequently, including for changes to system settings like file associations.

2. Create standard user accounts that do not have administrative privileges:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users (or Other users on older Windows versions).
• Add new users and ensure they are set up as 'Standard users.' Avoid assigning them as 'Administrators.'

By doing this:

• Users logged in with standard (non-administrator) accounts will be unable to make system-wide changes, including altering file associations without entering an administrator's password when prompted by UAC.
• Users might still encounter UAC prompts for various operations, which could become frequent and potentially annoying in a high-security UAC setting.

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