Last update caused all custom file associations to reset to defaults

dalchina said:

So you may wish to try setting the defaults the 'MS' way using Settings and/or the Control Panel, Default Programs, or Open With.

thank you... it worked...

i always used open with to set the default
cause like you said using the program to do it
doesn't seem to work anymore...
and ran into this...

so i used set associations in control panel
and it worked... i have separate files again...

strange it only seems to happen with pictures music and video...

Kowabunga! I just had this same happen to me a couple days ago. I wonder why now? But I'm still able to get at my pictures with no problem and the several pieces of music & videos I have on here, no problem. After reading through this 3 page document, I'm still at a loss as to what problems it should be causing me.

Maggidon said:

I'm still at a loss as to what problems it should be causing me.

It will not cause any issue regarding your documents, data, images etc. however it resets your custom file associations to the defaults (Microsoft Apps) rather than your own choices. There are many reasons out there to use a different application than the ones Microsoft includes. Reasons such as performance, usability or just because you like the name of the application better than the Microsoft ones. The bottom line is that the reason for chosing another default application to view files, read mail or browse the internet is a user choice and Microsoft keeps deleting you personal preference over and over again. Being a bug or just pure abuse of their powers to force you using their built-in applications to collect more valuable user data is irrelevant. The fact that your user choice is reset to the default forces you to change the defaults back to your user choice again and again as often as this happens. Or you give up and use the default applications with potentially limited functionality, performance or any other reason why you don't like them. If you're entirely fine with the Microsoft built-in applications then there is no reason to even read this thread as you will stick to everything Microsoft will force you to use from now on. If Microsoft tomorrow decides to push another default to your machine or starts to collect valuable data regarding face recognition or similar things to the default apps you will still be happy to provide this data. For the rest of us it's just a slap in the face having to change the default app in the settings panel for each file type manually while Microsoft just keeps resetting all those choices in one shot whenever they like it. Of course without providing any functionality to export and re-import my choices, I need to go into the point-and-select hell every time they reset all my preferences. So I certainly waste something around half an hour each time to just select the appropriate application (yes, I prefer applications, not apps) for the most important file types. So yes, feel free to ignore this thread as Microsoft does and stick to whatever Microsoft thinks is best for you.

Oh my, SkyBeam!!! It would appear you're right on the edge of a black rage. As to my preferences, I am glad though I have your permission to, as you put it, "you will still be happy to provide this data" ... I will rephrase it from it from my perspective "I might be happy to provide this data!!!"
And my day has been made since you give me further permission to "ignore this thread" (I'm sure I haven't ignored it or I wouldn't have asked a simple question) and again "stick to whatever Microsoft thinks is best for you." (End quote)
My advice to you Skybeam, bow to Microsoft ... don't worry, be happy!!!!!!!

It seems to be a worthless update as far as I can tell. I have tested and verified that the Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems (KB3135173) does break custom file associations. In my case just using the setting applet to try and put them back as they were before the update seems to not work at all. I'm sick of Windows update doing things like this, and you know Microsoft is aware of this and many other problems they are creating. (Probably on purpose)

My solution was to simply remove the update using the uninstall Windows Updates option in control panel. Reboot the PC then completely disable Windows update in the services menu. After the update is removed the ability to set custom programs as default apps works normally. This might not work for some people as they feel that having Windows update turned completely off leaves them vulnerable to "attacks" and they might miss some fancy new feature (bolted on BS) from MS.

I see it the other way, having Windows update on opens me up to attacks, from Mircosoft directly. That just doesn't work for me and if this is the future of M$ I don't want any part of it.