When working on a computer in Windows, a situation may arise when a file needs to be opened with one program, and it automatically always opens with the wrong one. But if you can immediately select the program for opening files, then in the case of opening links, everything is more complicated. For example, you click on a link that came to you in Skype, and the link opens not in the browser where you would like to open it, but in some other one. This is due to the fact that initially a different browser is configured to open links in Windows, it is set as the default program for this action. The same applies to any programs, because for each program you can assign the type of files that it will always open. In this article, using the example of Winodows 7 and 10, I will show how to set up default programs to open files of a certain type, as well as links.
Examples for Windows 8 will not be considered in this article, because everything is done there in the same way as in Windows 7 or in Windows 10.
Quick selection of a program to open the desired file in any Windows
The easiest way to choose a program to open a file is with Windows Explorer. Works the same on all Windows versions.
With this method, you have to choose a program to open each type of file. For example, you will have to separately select a program for opening pictures in .JPG format, then separately the same program for pictures in .PNG format and all other formats that you use.
You need to press the right mouse button (hereinafter "RMB") on the file for which you want to select standard program, which will always open it. In the pop-up menu, select "Open with" and a list of main programs (1) will appear on the right, through which you can open this file... If desired program to open your file in the list is, then clicking on it, the file will open in it.
This will open the file only once in the program of your choice. Next time you will have to select the program again.
To save the desired program for opening the selected file type on permanent basis or, if the required program is not in the list # 1, and you know that it is exactly installed on the computer, then click "Select another application" (2).
In the window that opens, the list (1) will indicate all programs that can open this file. Select the one you need from the list. If you want to save the selected program for all files of the same type (so that all similar files are always opened immediately in this program), then check the box "Always use this application ..." (2).
This way you can assign a default program for any file type.
This method is not convenient only because for each type of file you have to manually assign a program like this, even if different types files can be opened by the same program.
Assigning default programs at once for all types of files and protocols via Windows settings
Windows Settings allow you to set default programs at once for all types of files that a program is capable of opening. Also only through Windows options you can configure programs that will be used to work with certain protocols, for example, so that all links open only in a specific browser.
Below will be shown detailed instructions on Windows example 10. The settings for Windows 7 are very similar and will be briefly discussed, there are only minor differences, mainly in the interface). Settings for Windows 8 are completely identical Windows settings 7.
Open up Windows search and type the query "Default programs" and then select the found "Programs by default" option from the search results and open it.
Information on how to use Windows Search can be found here
The list will display which of the programs opens what, for example, which program is used as a video player, which is a web browser, etc.
Here you can reassign programs to perform certain actions and to open certain files. To do this, click on the program already assigned for an action and select another from the list (if no program has been assigned, then click the "+" button). For example, you want to select a different default browser so that all links from other programs are opened only through it. To do this, under the heading "Web browser", click on the already assigned browser (if not assigned, click "+") and from the list (2) select the browser that we need through which you want to open all links.
Configuring programs to open files of a certain type
You can also set default programs to open certain types of files.
A similar procedure was described above with the only difference that in the parameters you can immediately assign programs for all types of files in one place, and not one by one through the explorer.
To go to the options for selecting programs that open certain file types, click on the link "Select standard applications for file types ".
On the page that opens, in the left column (1), all possible file types in Windows will be displayed, and on the right (2), opposite each file type, the program that opens these files will be displayed. If the program for a certain file type is not assigned, then you can assign it by clicking on the "+" button (3).
Configuring programs to open at once all types of files and protocols that it is capable of opening
You can configure the desired programs so that they open everything that can be opened with them. However, you need to be careful with this configuration option, because it may turn out that some types of files will open in the wrong program in which you would like.
For example, if for Google browser Chrome to expose all files and protocols that it can open at once, then it may turn out so that, for example, PDF files will not open in the usual program Acrobat Reader and in Google chrome... This is possible due to the fact that Google Chrome can also open PDF files, and you just configured this browser so that it opens everything it can.
To configure the required programs to open all files and protocols at once that they are only able to open, go to the subsection "Set defaults by application".
Then, in the list on the left (1), select the program for which you want to set the default to open at once everything that it can open. In the column on the right, click "Set this program as default" (2).
Using Windows 7 as an example
In Windows 7, "Default Programs" for program settings for each type of file you open can also be found through Windows Search by typing the "Default Programs" query type.
In Windows 7, the Default Programs window looks like this:
To select programs for performing certain actions in the system, you need to open "Setting access for programs and defaults".
In the window that opens, you need to open the "Other" category, and below in the list, assign the required programs for each action.
To set programs to open certain file types, in the "Default Programs" section, open the "Associate file types or protocols to specific programs" item.
The only thing left in the window is to assign the required programs to open the required file types. To do this, select the file type from the list (1) and click "Change program" (2).
To set the required default programs to open all files that it can open and for all protocols, open the subsection "Setting default programs".
In the list on the left, select the desired program (1), and then on the right, click "Use this program as default" (2).
Conclusion
The ability to set default programs for opening certain files will make it easy for you to decide possible problems in Windows, when, for example, links from Skype or some other programs open in the wrong browser. Or some video files are being opened through the wrong player. The instructions above will help you map the programs you want to the necessary files so that everything is as convenient for you.
That's all! Have a nice day and great mood! ;)
Right-clicking on Windows files 10, 8 and Windows 7, a context menu appears with basic actions for this item, including the item "Open with" and the ability to select a program other than the one selected by default. The list is convenient, but it may contain unnecessary items or not contain the necessary ones (for example, it is convenient for me to have the Notepad item in “Open with” for all types of files).
This manual provides details on how to remove items from this section of the contextual windows menu and how to add programs to Open With. Also, separately about what to do if "Open with" is not in the menu (such a bug occurs in Windows 10).
How to remove items from the "Open with" section
If you need to remove any program from the item context menu"Open with", you can do this in the editor windows registry or using third-party programs.
Unfortunately, some items cannot be deleted in this way in Windows 10 - 7 (for example, those that are associated with certain types of files by the operating system itself).
Usually, the item disappears immediately. If it doesn't, restart your computer or restart Windows Explorer.
Note: If the program you want is not listed in the above registry key, see if it is here: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ File_Extension \ OpenWithList(including in subsections). If it is not there too, then further will be given Additional Information how you can still remove a program from the list.
Disable Open With Menu Items in Free OpenWithView
One of the programs that allows you to customize the items displayed in the "Open With" menu is the free OpenWithView, available on the official website www.nirsoft.net/utils/open_with_view.html(some antiviruses do not like the system software from nirsfot, but it was not noticed in any "bad" things. There is also a file with the Russian language for this program on the specified page, it must be saved in the same folder where OpenWithView is located).
After starting the program, you will see a list of items that can be displayed in the context menu for different types files.
All that is required in order to remove a program from "Open with" is to click on it and disable it using the red button in the menu at the top, or in the context menu.
Judging by the reviews, the program works in Windows 7, but: when I tested it in Windows 10, I could not remove Opera from the context menu using it, nevertheless, the program turned out to be useful:
An example of the registry locations from point 2, deleting which can help remove an unnecessary item from "Open with" (similar can be for other programs):
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ SOFTWARE \ Classes \ Program Name \ Shell \ Open(deleted the entire "Open" section).
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Classes \ Applications \ Program Name \ Shell \ Open
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Classes \ Program Name \ Shell \ Open
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Clients \ StartMenuInternet \ Program Name \ Shell \ Open(this clause seems to only apply to browsers).
This seems to be all about deleting items. Let's move on to adding them.
How to add a program to Open With in Windows
If you need to add an additional item to the "Open With" menu, then the easiest way to do this is standard means Windows:
After opening a file once using the program of your choice, it will forever appear in the "Open with" list for of this type files.
All this can be done using the registry editor, but the path is not the easiest:
Close Registry Editor. Usually, a computer restart is not required for the changes to take effect.
What to do if "Open with" is missing from the context menu
Some Windows users 10 are faced with the fact that the item "Open with" is not in the context menu. If you have a problem, you can fix it using the Registry Editor:
Click OK and close the registry editor - the "Open with" item should appear where it should be.
That's all, I hope everything works as expected and required. If not, or if you have additional questions on the topic - leave comments, I will try to answer.
Small and free program OpenWith Enhanced is another proof that nothing is perfect in the world and that the operating Windows system not an exception.
This utility will allow us to improve the usability and expand the capabilities of the usual, boring "Open With" context menu item.
For those who do not know what the "Open with" menu is and why it is needed, I explain - this is such a context menu item Windows Explorer, with which you can select a program to open a certain type of file.
For example, you can use GOM Player to open a video file with the .mkv extension, and PotPlayer to open .avi.
This is done easily and simply - poke on the file with the RIGHT mouse button and go to the "Open with" menu ...
So, it turns out that this menu can be improved and its functionality expanded - let's get down to it ...
Download OpenWith Enhanced
You can download the free program OpenWith Enhanced, which supports the Russian language, from official site, BUT!
There is a small catch - if you download by clicking on the big and bold button "Download" - the version of the program with an additional module will be downloaded, which will offer you to penetrate into all browsers, supposedly improving something there.
You can understand immediately after downloading that you downloaded just such a "tricky" version by the letter "a" in the file name (the clean version does not have this letter) ...
I must say right away that this is all garbage and then you are tortured to delete this module! If you have already downloaded such a version of the program, just be careful during installation, when such a window appears ...
... just click "Cancel".
Manufacturers offer to download and clean version, without third-party modules, but they do it very unobtrusively, in a small font.
I try to always be careful about such things and naturally I found this link to the clean version - here it is, feel free to download the OpenWith Enhanced program ...
The file size is only 465 kb.
During installation, you will be asked to accept ... no, not arsenic, but just a license - agree ...
Downloaded and installed OpenWith Enhanced, but the shortcut didn't appear on the desktop and nothing changed anywhere? Don't worry, this is how it should be!
As usual, we go to the "Open with" menu and see the changes - now some icons have appeared in the list of recommended programs for opening your file ...
Programs that are already installed on your computer are marked with green checkmarks ...
... and red questions (and red font) indicate programs that most users open this file with, but which you have not yet installed ...
You can assign your own colors by looking in the program settings, which are located in the upper right of the window ...
If you put a tick on "Inform ..." - join thousands of kind users who form a list of recommended programs for opening a particular type of file.
Here you can highlight free programs by assigning them a different font, as well as to remove the display of program shortcuts in the selection window.
You can also remove the association of the program with the file type by going to "Remove association of this file type" ...
