Select an App to Open This File Window in Windows — Causes & Fixes

Select app to open file windows fix

When opening a file in Windows 10 or 11, you may encounter a pop-up prompting you to choose an app: “Choose an app to open this file” or “How do you want to open this file?” This screen typically appears for one of three reasons:

1. No Default App Assigned: Windows has no registered application for this file type—or the file has no extension at all. Windows prompts you to manually choose an app and optionally set it as the new default.

2. Default App Won’t Stick: The popup keeps appearing even after selecting Always use this app. This may be caused by third-party optimization tools, registry cleaners, or file managers overriding the registry.

3. App Associations Reset at Sign-In: If this window appears when logging in or booting the system, changes may not be saved due to Windows optimizations or interference.

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How to Fix It

1. Assign the Default via File Explorer

• Right-click the file, select Open with → Choose another app.

• Pick your desired app, enable Always use this app, and confirm.

2. Set Defaults System-Wide

• Navigate to Settings → Apps → Default Apps.

• Select Choose defaults by file type and pick the app.

• Or reset defaults via the Reset to Microsoft recommended apps option.

3. Use File Association Tools

• Right-click a file → Properties → Change next to Opens with, choose the app → OK. Microsoft Q&A 

• Alternatively, run in admin Command Prompt:

  assoc .ext=YourFileType
  
  ftype YourFileType="C:\Path\To\App.exe" "%1"
  
  

4. Fix File Managers That Don’t Honor Defaults

If a third-party file manager (e.g., XYplorer, Total Commander) keeps prompting—even after setting defaults:

• Use File Explorer once to properly register the default.

• Some file managers require manual configuration or updating to respect association settings.

5. Avoid Registry Cleaners or Interference

Default app settings are stored in the registry. Tools cleaning MountedDevices or other paths may reset them.
Ensure no utilities are actively blocking registry modifications.

6. View File Extensions for Clarity

Seeing the real extension helps prevent wrong associations and improves security.

• Open Settings → File Explorer Options → View.

• Disable Hide extensions for known file types.

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Quick Fix Summary

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Now you can stop Windows from repeatedly prompting you with “Select an app to open this file.” A few simple tweaks in settings or cleanup of registry interference will ensure smooth opening of files with your preferred apps.