This time, we will show you how to restore the default file associations in Windows 11.
For example, extension".png" files are usually associated with "Photos", but you can manuallyFile associationWhen you do this, ".png" files will be associated with the specified program.
When you install image-related software, the associations may be automatically changed, and they may not be restored even if you uninstall it.
And if you want to revert to the original setting, you can usually manually change the association to the specified program, but in some cases this may not be possible.
If you try to open the file in this situation, you will get an error.
How to reset file associations to default
If you operate the registry incorrectly, it may cause problems such as the system being unable to start. Please make a backup in advance using system restore or similar, and proceed at your own risk.
- How to create and restore a system restore point
- How to open and back up the Registry Editor
- Windows 11/10 Registry Basics: Concept, How to Open, and Internal Structure
- How to Take Ownership and Change Permissions in Windows 11 Registry
Pochip
1. Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "regedit" and press Enter.
2. The Registry Editor will open, so open the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.png※this isextensionThis is how to set it if the file extension is ".png". If you want to change the extension to something else, open the key for the extension you want to change from ".png" in the following key.
For example, if it's ".png"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.pngIf it's ".jpg"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.jpg.
3. Expand the ".png" key and you will see a key called "OpenWithList". Select it.
4. Select all values in the right column except for "(Default)".
5. Once selected, right-click on any of the selected values and click "Delete".
6. The "Confirm Value Deletion" message will appear, so check carefully and click "Yes".
It's OK if it only shows "(default)" as shown below.
7. Next, if there is a key called "UserChoice" under the "OpenWithList" key, right-click on the "UserChoice" key and click "Delete".
8. The "Confirm Key Deletion" message will appear, so click "Yes".
This will reset the ".png" file association to the default and open it with the default program.
Double-click the ".png" file to open it.
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