Unable to change default program

RickRS · 10 Oct 2018

I'm unable to change my wmv file player or the program that I use to open zip files. I'm wanting to change them to media player classic and 7zip, but nothing happens upon switching their default program. For wmv files, I use choose another app, check to always use media player classic, but it still uses the default windows player. Similar results for zip files. Same thing happens when changing it through properties. I tried changing default apps in windows 10 settings as well, but media player classic and 7zip don't show as options.

Caledon Ken · 10 Oct 2018

Hi RickRS. Welcome to the TenForums @RickRS

What version and build of Win 10 are you on.

Right click Start, click Run, type winver, enter

Please post

I recall there was an issue with this way back but pretty sure it was corrected.

RickRS · 11 Oct 2018

Caledon Ken said:

Hi RickRS. Welcome to the TenForums @RickRS

What version and build of Win 10 are you on.

Right click Start, click Run, type winver, enter

Please post

I recall there was an issue with this way back but pretty sure it was corrected.

Version 1803 (OS Build 17134.345.

Dirk Gently · 11 Oct 2018

RickRS said:

Version 1803 (OS Build 17134.345.

You're not the first person i've seen with this problem recently. For example:

Windows wont let me change default programs for certain file extensions : Windows10

I would recommend trying this nifty little program:

Default Programs Editor

It's helped me with some issues in the past.

xTL · 11 Oct 2018

Dirk Gently said:

You're not the first person i've seen with this problem recently. For example:

Windows wont let me change default programs for certain file extensions : Windows10

I would recommend trying this nifty little program:

Default Programs Editor

It's helped me with some issues in the past.

i use that program too :)
it's helped me so much with context menu's

Mikegrant65 · 14 Oct 2018

Version 1803 (OS Build 17134.345)

I also have this problem. "Default Programs Editor" doesn't help since it doesn't have the extension listed that I want to associate an app with!

Caledon Ken · 14 Oct 2018

I would try the inplace repair / upgrade. As you have 1803 and the MCT is providing that release, check dates on page, this should be a repair.

Always recommend backing up data although this is a non-destructive process. No programs (apps) or data should be removed.

The repair fixes a host of strange issues.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

dalchina · 14 Oct 2018

Hi, what happens, for example with zip and 7-zip when you rt click a zip file, Open With, More apps, click the box at the bottom 'Always use...' and select 7-zip?

I'm on 1709, and an update some time back means the Control Panel Default Programs => Settings, where, like you, I don't see 7-zip listed.

My current handler is WinRAR.

If I use Open With, I can effect a change to 7-zip:

Not checked what happens after a restart.

Also, by re-installing 7-zip (I chose as admin) I found it listed in Settings, Default Apps, File types for zip.

Callender · 14 Oct 2018

Mikegrant65 said:

Version 1803 (OS Build 17134.345)

I also have this problem. "Default Programs Editor" doesn't help since it doesn't have the extension listed that I want to associate an app with!

What is the extension? What is the app?

dalchina · 14 Oct 2018

A program has to be installed which creates the file type. Many progs add file types when installed- Windows by default only 'knows about' a limited set of file types.

(It is perhaps possible that uninstalling a program which is capable of handling a given file type might remove it).