choose default apps by file type

Question

When going to Settings / Apps / Default apps , I am unable to choose default apps by file type,  ie the file type boxes ( .bmp  .gif etc ) greyed out "Choose a default" missing. This means every time I click a bmp or gif file I have to select what app to open it with .

Answer 1

Hello Ron. I'm Greg, an 8 year Microsoft Windows MVP, here to help you

Are you getting any prompts saying that settings are controlled by your organization's administrator?

What does it say at the top of Activation Settings, under status?

1. Please work through this Checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs are done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
2. If any steps cannot be performed then try whichever method works to enter Safe Mode with Networking which may work better to perform the steps: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2984712/windows/...
3. If no Safe Mode, from the Advanced Startup Options use the Command Prompt at boot to run the Repair Commands in the Checklist: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...
4. If nothing else works then you can reinstall Windows while keeping your files, programs and most settings by running a Repair Upgrade. Install the Media Creation Tool from this link, choose Upgrade Now, follow the prompts: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... If this doesn't help, do it over and choose to Save Nothing, which comes close to a Clean Install but doesn't clear the hard drive to get it cleanest.

The Repair Upgrade in Step 3 will also update you to the latest Fall Creators Version 1709 (which you need anyway) f you don't yet have it, and by the most stable method.

4. Or you can create the bootable media to do the gold standard Clean Install in this link, which compiles the best possible install of Windows 10 that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
5. There is also an automated Refresh which reinstalls Windows while leaving out the factory bloatware that throttles Windows and causes endless issues, lets you save your files. https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I'll keep working with you until it's resolved.

Answer 2

Hi Ron,

Right click a file, say a .bmp file and choose Properties

At the top of the resulting dialog, beside 'Open With', click the Change Button

Check the 'Always Open .bmp files with' box

And navigate through the menus to find your preferred application

Answer 3

On the .bmp and .gif files the option  to "change / open with" did not show up.

other files jpeg etc did have the change option.

in settings/apps/choose default apps by file types. The boxes with a plus sign will select a default app, but there are 35 file types with greyed out boxes that if I try to select any default app will after a few seconds will close down the settings box. the vital file being bmp & gif.

file type .xlw .sst .pmg don't mean a lot to me !

I have tried resetting to default app but still the same.

Ron

Answer 4

Hi Ron, click the link below, on that page are downloadable scripts to fix file associations in Windows 10

On that page, download the fix for bmp and gif files . . .

When the files download, right click and choose 'Merge' and confirm the Merge

Restart and those file associations should be fixed . . . hopefully !!

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8703-restor...