Problem with Default apps

Stargazer22 · 26 Nov 2015

Hello again everyone, This is something else I found happening to my PC since the installation of the windows 10 pro (service pack) update.
I change all the default apps to apps I prefer to use by selecting them as you would in the defaults app area. I have been using these apps I like since windows 10 pro came out with no problems.
Since the major update though if I power down my PC and what I mean by this is shut windows down than turn off the Power supply power switch on the back of the PC, when I return to use the PC the apps are back to the the ones Microsoft configures as default.
For example I do not use Windows Edge, I prefer Internet Explorer 11. I selected that as one of the default apps I want to use. If I power down my pc and then turn the power back on and boot it up when I go to the default apps area Windows Edge is back as the default app again.
This happens with all the default apps I select and if I choose to pick a alternate program to open a file ( like selecting Adobe Acrobat over Edge from the properties memu of a file) it also changes back to what ever Microsoft uses as default.
Has anyone else have this issue and found a fix? Its really a pain having to reselect my defaults each time.
Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated

dalchina · 29 Nov 2015

Hi, the initial change of associations is well known as an issue with the TH2 upgrade. There are other reports of what your're seeing on restart on this forum- I've not seen a solution yet. But it's not a common situation.

Suggest you search for similar threads and see if anyone's come up with an idea.

Meanwhile, suggest using hibernation as far as possible, and maybe this offers some sort of temporary workaround:
Default App Associations - Export and Import for New Users in Windows - Windows 10 Forums

Have you tried using the old control panel to set defaults rather than Win 10 Settings? I've always found a discrepancy between the two in completing browser default settings, and needed to use the old control panel.

Stargazer22 · 08 Dec 2015

Thanks for the tip on hibernation I will try that next. And yes I have tried the default apps under the older control panel and still have the problem

I contacted the Microsoft Answer Desk and a tech connected to my pc and tried a few things and he couldn't help and suggested I pay for support and have a level two tech take a look. I paid for the year of service plan which was $149.00 (US) and was transfered to a level two tech that took over the remote session . I became concerned if anything was being done since the session went on over 5 hours and I saw very little cursor movement. I finally used the chat box to type a message to the tech and he told me he was doing "research" on his end and trying to fix it. I consider my computer repair skills about average and I would think if the tech was doing anything since he was remotely connected I would see anything being done on my side. This tech was not able to fix the issue and offered no work around or advice. He did give me a 800 number and ticket number to call back if I would like more help.

dalchina · 08 Dec 2015

Suggestion: see what happens in a new user profile for comparison.
Ideally your startups would be identical, and the user permissions the same (if admin, admin etc)

A windows update yesterday is supposed to restore the file associations that were reset in the TH2 Nov update. It might be interesting to see whether that affects your problem at all.

It is also true that some experience symptoms (typically a slow login) which seem incapable of resolution after the Nov. TH2 update, which is I think what you are saying led to your loss of file associations on restart.

A remarkable repair tool which might be of interest is this:
Tweaking.com - Windows Repair Free/Pro

It's not one for the casual user, and does try to ensure you protect yourself.
Some here detest such things. For hard to resolve things, if used with due caution, (i.e. any change you might make is recoverable or reversible- e.g. the ultimate- use disk imaging before you start) it might just fix your problem.

Stargazer22 · 09 Dec 2015

I have applied the update and there is a change. Before the default apps I use would remain if I just shut windows down but did not turn off the power switch on the power supply on my pc. Now sadly when ever I shut down or hibernate windows the settings are gone. The update has made matters worse for me

dalchina · 09 Dec 2015

Hi, please create a new user profile for comparison.
Ideally your startups would be identical, and the user permissions the same (if admin, admin etc)

(You can always delete it later if unwanted).

I find it hard to think why settings change when you hibernate/resume. That's strange.

Stargazer22 · 10 Dec 2015

I added a second account to my pc, gave it the same admin rights as the primary account. I configured its default apps shut down the pc and when I rebooted had to reconfigure the apps again

dalchina · 10 Dec 2015

Hi, ok, that's one possibility others have found out of the way. So this sounds like a possible registry permissions issue.

As you know, the file associations are held in the registry.
If permissions in the registry stopped the settings being saved, this might explain it.

Please try the tool I mentioned above, using only the correction for registry permissions.
However, please be careful and take all due precautions beforehand to create appropriate backups.
Follow all the initial stages of the tool as these are aimed at protecting you.

Stargazer22 · 10 Dec 2015

I have downloaded the tweak tool but before I try anything I have another Microsoft tech session Friday (Dec 11th) I will copy our messages and see if they can do it, if not I will back the registry up and try the software out. Thank you for your assistance with this issue it is appreciated

dalchina · 10 Dec 2015

Ok- make sure you get value for $! Either way, please post back the outcome.

At least you know one standard approach (new profile) isn't going to help.