apps

Question

Windows 10 under apps in settings there is a link "app execution aliases", then 4 different options to toggle on and off, once I click on the link it says the following at the top of that page:

Apps can declare a name used to run the app from a command prompt.  If multiple apps use the same name, choose which one to use.

Xbox Game Bar

GameBarElevatedFT_Alias.exe

Microsoft Edge

MicrosoftEdge.exe

App Installer

python.exe

App Installer

python3.exe

What are those for exactly, did they come on the computer when I purchased the computer, and do I need them toggled on? Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi on1Quest

My name is Jon and I am an independent technical adviser. Sorry to hear you are experiencing issues and I would really like to help answer your question.

What you have listed is the default in Windows 10 (I see the same on my Windows 10 1903 build).

You can set a name (alias) used to run any app like an executable file from a command prompt. If you like, you can turn on or off allowing the use of the alias for an app. This can be handy if multiple apps use the same alias.

If you turn on the alias for an app, you will be able to run the .exe name (ex: "player.exe") for the app (ex: "VLC Player") in a command prompt to open the app.

If you turn off the alias for an app, the .exe (alias) name specified for the app will not work in a command prompt unless another app uses the same .exe name as default and is turned on.

Hope this helps.