Set default file association for all users windows 10 registry Jun 12, 2020 · The name of the policy to use is Set a default associations configuration file and is found in the administration templates at this path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer Set this policy to Enabled Specify the path to the app associations file that you previously created Aug 7, 2020 · Using Deployment Workbench (ver 6. Jul 12, 2018 · We all know the struggle of having a new user sign into Windows 10 to find Edge is the default browser AND the default PDF viewer. Oct 13, 2025 · A PowerShell script that automates this process is not only a time-saver but also ensures uniformity, which can be critical for compliance and user support. Jun 2, 2014 · A Windows 7 PC of mine is having a strange issue. exe) to see if you have the key below for that ". IE 10 is the only browser on this PC. Does anyone have some options to set the default programs for any user logging in? Thank you 🙂 Aug 15, 2025 · A step-by-step guide on how to change file associations in Windows 10 and 11. The main requirement for default file association is often forgotten: the end-user is in control. Even when admins have a method for setting a default handler (described above), once the application is installed end users can change the file type associations First job is to restore windows photo viewer, as it isn't available on windows 10 by default; you need to deploy the following registry settings by GPO: Windows Registry Editor Version 5. Tried using master_preference file. A script can be written to set the default app for a particular file type using the Set-ItemProperty cmdlet. Default app associations determine which applications open specific file types and protocols, allowing users to organize their digital lives according to May 23, 2019 · or HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts. Ones' default web browser opens . Sep 1, 2025 · These default app settings streamline the user experience and make it more convenient to open files and perform various tasks on your computer. We show you how to do this the right way. But if I go to Control Panel -> Default Programs - Set Associations then I see a different description and default program. If I run the assoc command-line utility for an extension, it shows the file type/description for the extension I set in the registry. PDF file extension to Adobe or Edge? How to Export and Import Custom Default App Associations for New Users in Windows 10 Add to default when File Extension is not listed Dec 26, 2016 · In Windows 10, we can no longer use Group Policy Preferences to control file associations, because these settings are now user-based, instead of system-based as they were in Windows 7. Sep 9, 2019 · On windows 10 we found that the photos was not working so have installed Windows Photo Viewer with registry changes but need to set this as default across all users. HTTP Only when all this is true, will the XML reg key apply. In an organization, it’s often a good practice to configure a standard set of applications as default apps for all users. Jun 6, 2014 · Set it up on one machine then search the registry for Alternatiff. Jan 8, 2025 · I can’t find a method to programmatically change default/associations for file extensions (e. No other browser has even been installed. If you try to change the user default registry entries using a script or batch file, Windows will reset the file association to Windows defaults; you’ll see the annoying An app default Oct 20, 2025 · Easily set default filetype associations in Windows across all users using PowerShell—perfect for IT admins and MSPs managing Windows 10 and 11 systems. dok files", needing user to scroll and select the program to open it with manually. My applications are installed per machine, not per user. PDF file extension. Installing applications, adding computer settings, Global Policy settings etc It creates 2 users: admin…. Where exactly in the registry are these May 30, 2017 · Hello All, I am having an issue with one of our PC’s in the office. When I double click the pdf file, it still ask me to choose an app to open it instead of opening it directly in FoxitReader. I can't use the full version of Outlook for this. For example, to set an installed Apr 25, 2016 · I've tried setting default in the reg keys: hkeycu>software>microsoft>windows>shell>associations>urlassociations>http and https. Export the ones that have to do with file association. Scroll down to . In Windows 10 and Windows 11, file association is User-based. Oct 13, 2010 · 42 I'm trying to programmatically check file associations by the file extension (for example . 3. This configuration ensures documents, media files, and other content open in your preferred applications without manual intervention each time. Xml is the only way. Jan 30, 2025 · A default app is the program that Windows uses automatically when you open a particular file type or protocol. Using the Regedit program, the association between a file extension and the software that uses the file is edited in the Windows Registry. So, is there any way to create a file association for all users on the machine? Apr 29, 2023 · As to the central question, creating the combination of: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\<FileExt> with a default value of <ProgID> and HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\<ProgID> with a default value that's displayed as the FileType, along with the necessary subkeys to define default actions, will create a machine-wide association that will be the default for new users as well as existing users *who've never over Apr 17, 2024 · In Windows 10 and 11, setting per-user file associations for a logged-on user account has to be done manually using Default Apps or the “Open with” dialog. It makes a hash for each one a user has in the registry, even if the user didn't choose it through the control panel. We need to find to do it in a programmatic so users don’t have to do it manually . Oct 27, 2017 · How to configure file association in Windows 10? It’s possible for IT Pro to configure or force default association using supported methods. tiff and set it to open with Alternatiff. Does anyone know a way to either permanently control the default file associations or script it somehow so that every time someone logs in it will set Adobe as the default PDF viewer and IE as the default browser??? Oct 25, 2017 · SetUserFTA: UserChoice Hash defeated – Set File Type Associations per User or Group on Windows 8/10/11 and 2012/2016/2019/2022 October 25, 2017 admin Citrix, Security, Windows, XenApp 320 Dec 13, 2024 · File Association Corrupted: Sometimes, file associations in Windows can become corrupted, causing files to open with the wrong program or not open at all. . It is possible if i change it over System -> Default Apps but i need to do it with a batch file :) If i change the settings on HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Roaming Windows 10 is really annoying with file associations. Default app associations for file extensions are a per user setting by default, so you will need to be signed in to the user account you want to restore the default associations of a file extension for. Is there an easy solution to this. pdf files with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and not with Microsoft Edge (default). html files and notepad opens . Aug 9, 2021 · I have an installer which installs a key on the HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Regedit is not easy to use or, is it user friendly. abc> setting. Import into the other computers. Microsoft uses the UserChoice reg to provide a unique hash for each file association in the user’s profile. However, if you change the association through Windows Explorer: Open With > Choose Program > (Always use the selected program) In this computerized guide of Passion Technology, we explain how to set the default programs on Windows 10, for all users of the system. " file type? HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\. Every time a new user logs in, the HTTP, FTP, and HTTPS protocols are not associated to IE. I want to set a File Association for . txt files, etc. pdf so that i can start . Each file type is associated with a default application that the system uses to open it. Therefore, to deploy the default file association you must first configure a reference machine and then export its configuration to an XML file that you will distribute to the rest of the computers. But the registry trick no longer works since Windows 8, since Windows introduces a hash to verify the change. Learn how to effortlessly manage file types and programs for smoother workflow. It used to be that setting the two keys: HKCR\. x, life was so simple. Now there have been 10+ users logged in on each computer and these ~30ish users need to have IE set as default browser. Next time someone logs on, the default program associations file will be read and apply the new browser default. Oct 21, 2022 · The default apps are maintained in the Windows Registry at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\. However, setting a particular app as the user choice is not easily done through the May 9, 2023 · Solutions that need Admin right Set default app for . It's easy to view and modify the items shown in the Open with > context menu. 8456. How to Reset File Associations in Windows 10? Using the following command, you can reset the settings of file associations imported earlier: Dism. In the example below, brave. But some programs skip the user consent and set the app defaults into the registry. Hi all, In a Windows 10 (20H2 and above) domain-joined environment, how do you go about setting default file associations for all users of a given device? After installing Adobe PDF reader, it opens files with the . exe /Online /Remove-DefaultAppAssociations After running this command, all new users will be logged with the default file association (the reset has no effect on the existing user profiles). Aug 16, 2021 · The user is logging on to a Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Session Host. mp4 open with VLC) or protcols (e. Oct 12, 2023 · Yet trying to open any . Any suggestions? See full list on woshub. Sep 18, 2012 · We have the worst luck with Media Player so we’d like everyone to start using VLC in Windows 7 but I’ve yet to find a way to set it as the default player for All users. Then, next time Group Policy Sep 15, 2021 · Short article discussing different successful and unsuccessful methods to change default programs and file type associations in Windows 11, including via right-click, at launch, assoc, ftype, dism, group policies, registry, and more Regedit is a registry editor utility program integral to the Windows operating system. For every new user I have to go to Control Panel > Programs > Default Progarms > Set Default Programs > Set Program Feb 28, 2024 · The problem ¶ Admins often want to reliably set Acrobat and Reader as the default PDF owners on their organization’s desktops. But I don't see any change in the registry key above. Is there a way to add the key to all users at once? Thanks Understanding File Associations File associations in Windows are fundamental to how the operating system manages different file types. Dec 30, 2022 · Installing Outlook (PWA) manually and setting Outlook (PWA) as the default mailto app works if done manually but I need this automated for all users. Open Settings. To fix this issue, you can reset file associations to their default settings using the Registry Editor. Jul 31, 2018 · The old ways In Windows 7/2008 R2/XenApp 6. Aug 25, 2025 · Windows 11 introduces a redesigned Settings interface for handling file associations, allowing users to set program defaults for file types with greater control. At the moment, anyone who logs in get Microsoft Edge when opening a . https open with Firefox) on existing user accounts. In Find a setting, search for and open Default apps. Apr 24, 2024 · This page shows you the location as well as how to parse file extensions and their application associations in the Microsoft Windows Registry using PowerShell. Sep 2, 2015 · 24 On versions of Windows prior to Windows 10, I can get the default browser from the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet On Windows 10, I set Microsoft Edge as the default browser. Jun 22, 2022 · The xml file created from the DISM command can be applied per-computer using group policy: Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components ->File Explorer -> Set a default associations configuration file Set this policy to Enabled and enter the path to the XML file the computers can access. com May 4, 2023 · After some testing I found out that all my registrations are overwritten by HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\<. When I run the installer, it only adds it on the user that is installing. Neither Store apps nor win32 apps can invoke a prompt asking for consent to change app defaults. The computer is being used in a conference room, so there will be many different people logging in. Dec 23, 2023 · Windows 10 Home 22H2 19045. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, understanding how to change file associations in Windows 11 can significantly enhance your productivity and user experience. Then after sysprep, you get a lot of 'app default reset' messages. 1) I created a Deployment share to install Window 10, and the Task sequence does a lot of things. I would like to make the change in one location and have it affect all users Jan 10, 2025 · How to Configure, Export, and Import File Associations in Windows 11 File associations in Windows determine which application opens a particular file type. Since Windows 8, it has become more difficult for applications to take ownership of certain filetypes. While this offers Dec 8, 2017 · The UI for managing file associations in Windows 10 aims to put the user in control. This specific script is a modified version of a script by Danysys, designed to change the default browser for all users by updating registry keys. These associations are defined in the Windows registry and control everything from how files are launched to how they are displayed within the application. Control Panel, Default Programs, Associate a filetype or protocol with a program. Correctly managing these associations ensures a streamlined user experience, allowing you to open files quickly and efficiently with your preferred applications. Jul 8, 2022 · Is there a script or a registry key to setup a Acrobat reader as a default pdf reader. May 22, 2020 · With Windows 10 you can’t manage file association settings through the Registry I need End Users to check for the Default Program for *. The main problem is that it is not possible to change a user's file associations by editing the registry as this only causes the Window's defaults to be reset and the user must manually pick the correct program. For more information about how to apply a Windows image, see Apply Images Using DISM. In other words, let’s talk about the association of the individual files to the predefined programs, which will have to be used by Windows to automatically open the respective elements (file formats). The best way to do it is to set up a reference computer, install applications, configure default programs and use Dism to export/import the custom default app associations or use a group policy. Start the test computer and complete Windows Setup. May 18, 2016 · Windows 10 "send to" and default file association configuration - all users Ask Question Asked 9 years, 5 months ago Modified 9 years, 5 months ago Closed 11 years ago. We have a PC that is used in our conference room and different users will log into the PC but the default programs to open files will not be set. pdf on their PCs and I need to do this pro-grammatically. exe and msedge. Nov 28, 2024 · PowerShell can be used to change the default PDF program by modifying Registry Keys that control file associations. Windows 10 comes out of the box with Edge as the default for websites and PDF documents. Apr 23, 2020 · Before Windows 10, an application could check default apps, ask for user consent and set default app programmatically using Windows API. Sep 27, 2017 · In Windows 10 build 1703 (as well as some previous builds), the full upgrade or Windows Servicing upgrade, the Edge browser breaks the PDF file association (meaning, you are forced to use Edge by default), and there is no automated method to fix it for current users. pdf Those do add this app into the Open list, but none of them can set FoxitReader as the default PDF viewer. exe are two choices that are available in that menu. However, on previous versions of Windows it works properly. Aug 26, 2021 · Export or Import Default Application AssociationsInstall your Windows image to a test computer. Sep 18, 2023 · You can delete or can remove File Type Associations using Registry Editor in Windows 11/10. jnlp files). Group Policy Preference Folder Options could be used to enforce a particular FTA, or you could set it to “Apply once” to give them a specific default and then control it themselves, simply by roaming the FileExts area of the user Registry. 1 So my company has started deploying Windows 10 to all users, and we are still using Internet Explorer as our default browser, and Adobe Reader as our PDF handler. If you do, delete it's UserChoice subkey to remove it's app association. I can’t find anything that works other than manually going into Settings → Apps → Default apps and changing each extension and protocol by hand. Configure default apps by file name extension or by app. The user has a User Profile Disk. Learn how to set default file associations in Windows using Group Policy (GPO) with PowerShell and registry verification. ext (default Jun 27, 2025 · How to Change File Associations in Windows 11 In the vast ecosystem of Windows operating systems, managing file associations is a fundamental task that ensures your computer opens files with the appropriate programs. 6216 23 Dec 2023 #432 Brink said: Hello, Check in Registry Editor (regedit. Oct 20, 2020 · In the pre-Windows 8 eras, the default app can be set for a file type by manipulating the registry, which means you could craft a script and execute via the command line to change default apps. Aug 19, 2021 · Need to use third-party programs to open files on your PC? Here's how to change file associations in Windows 10 and choose which apps open which file types. Jun 12, 2020 · This article guides you through the process of deploying settings to make Outlook the default MailTo email program for Windows clients using group policy. Aug 12, 2016 · Hi, i have a problem with File Associations in Windows (Build 1607). May 13, 2016 · I am using Windows 10 and I need to set adobe reader as the default application when anyone that logs into the computer opens a . 00 Jan 4, 2025 · How to Reset, Export, Import Default App Associations on Windows 11/10 In the interconnected world of technology, default app associations play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless user experience on operating systems like Windows 10 and 11. To deploy the default file associations, you first have to configure the settings on a reference machine and then export the configuration in an XML file that you can deploy in your network. g. Therefore none of the user’s desktop shortcuts work. pdf file. I keep reading that HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\JNLPFile\Shell\Open\Command is the Registry key to check. Nov 5, 2018 · I have three machines that didn’t have their default file associations applied before being deployed. dok extention is NOT associated with any program Jul 23, 2020 · This is checking the registry key path Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice and the Value name ProgId and the Value Data IE. File extensions in Windows have corresponding Registry entries instructing the Windows operating system on which application opens which file type and which extension. dok file result in windows prompting its "Windows cannot open . Background is that the user profiles are temporary and I need this set at either the machine level or upon first login. Indeed, when checking in Settings->Apps->Default Apps->Choose default apps by file type of users it appears that . for all new users when they login to the computer first time. My users are not savvy enough to set it as default themselves. ? they are currently have to launch Acrobat reader and do it manually. zsze cjei xhkxke znavm epla dkpg objt urtr tvzae ggdw cmn fjyzoue qhy yicty icums