Why is "Open with..." context menu list missing one some file types?

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  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 10
       #1

    Why is "Open with..." context menu list missing one some file types?


    I am curious. I am on windows 10 20h2. There are some file types that have "Open with" context list (like .mp3 or .jpg files) but with others, such as .zip files there is only a "Open with" button but not a context list. For those with only a Open with button, it brings up the "How do you want to open this file?" dialogue window. How do I add a context menu list to file types that only have a "Open with" button?

    For example, for the .zip files I have other programs such as 7zip, comic reader and other programs that should file associate with .zip files. There should be a "Open with" context menu list that is the same in my old Windows 7 OS.
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  2. Posts : 17,838
    Windows 10
       #2

    Most likely because you haven't chosen a default yet.
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  3. Posts : 5
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I already have a default for the zip file. I chose 7zip as default. Still the same. No "Open With" context menu list. It's still just a button.
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  4. Posts : 6,788
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #4

    7-zip file associations are handled by 7zfm.exe run as admin. Tools> Options then associate.

    FYI:

    Personally I use 7-Zip ZS

    Milkys Homepage - 7-Zip with support for Zstandard, Brotli, Lz4, Lz5 and Lizard Compression
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  5. Posts : 6,788
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #5

    Why is "Open with..." context menu list missing one some file types?-7-zip.jpg
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  6. Posts : 6,788
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #6

    In addition:

    Why is "Open with..." context menu list missing one some file types?-7-zip-context-menu.jpg
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  7. Posts : 5
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for the 7z but that's not my specific problem. My specific problem is that the "Open with" context menu list. I want to be able to quickly open zip files with other programs besides 7z. It has a default program associated with .zip files but the "Open with" is only a button and not a menu list.
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  8. Posts : 6,788
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #8

    Okay I see. You only get an open with context menu for applications that are registered to open the type of file that you clicked on.

    So you should get a different right click context menu for say .txt files as opposed to .mp3
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  9. Posts : 915
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit 22H2 19045.3324
       #9

    moredrowsy said:
    I want to be able to quickly open zip files with other programs besides 7z. It has a default program associated with .zip files but the "Open with" is only a button and not a menu list.
    Typically you have to open the file at least once with the other app before it will add it to the 'Open with' list.

    So once choosing 'More apps...' then scrolling if necessary to the bottom and choosing, 'Look for another app on this PC' , then browse to the desired .exe program and open the file, it will then remember and add that program to the list.
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  10. Posts : 6,788
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #10

    Well I just downloaded another archiver (360Zip) and had the same problem. It will not add to open with context menu.

    Solution:

    Use openwithadd to register the program.

    Set the program as default.

    Open a file.

    Then set 7-zip backto default.

    Result:

    Why is "Open with..." context menu list missing one some file types?-contextmenu.jpg
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