How to Associate A File Type on Windows 10

Have you ever tried opening a file on your Windows 10 but you can’t seem to find the right application to open it with? This can be frustrating, especially if you have not set a default app to open that type of file. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to associate a file type on Windows 10, which can save you time when opening files and make your work more efficient.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before you can start associating file types on your Windows 10, you need to have administrative privileges to make changes to the system settings. You also need to have access to the file that you want to associate with an app. Lastly, you need to have a compatible app installed on your computer that can open that type of file.

What Requires Your Focus?

You need to pay attention to the steps when accessing the system settings to avoid making unwanted changes. Also, ensure that you select the right app to associate with the file type, as selecting the wrong one can cause the file to not open or open with errors.

Different Methods to Associate a File Type on Windows 10

Method 1: Via File Properties

This method is the easiest and most common way to associate a file with an app in Windows 10. Here are the steps:

1. Right-click on the file you want to associate and select "Properties" from the context menu.
2. In the Properties window, click on the "Change" button next to "Opens with".
3. Choose the app from the list or click on "More apps" to select a different one.
4. Ensure that "Always use this app to open [file type]" is checked, then click "OK" to save changes.

Pros: Easy and straightforward.

Cons: Only works for one file at a time.

Method 2: Via Control Panel

The Control Panel offers a more advanced way of associating files with apps in Windows 10. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Click on "Programs" and then "Default Programs".
3. Click on "Associate a file type or protocol with a program".
4. Scroll down and find the file type you want to associate with an app.
5. Click the "Change program" button and select the app you want to use.
6. Ensure that the checkbox next to "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file" is ticked.
7. Click "OK" to save changes.

Pros: Works for multiple files at once.

Cons: Harder to navigate than the file properties method.

Method 3: Via Command Prompt

For those who prefer using command lines, here is the method to associate files using the Command Prompt:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type "assoc .[file extension]=[file type]" where "[file extension]" is the extension of the file you want to associate and "[file type]" is the name of the file type. For example, if you want to associate text files with Notepad, you would type "assoc .txt=txtfile".
3. Press Enter to execute the command.

Pros: Quick way to associate file types.

Cons: Not suitable for beginners.

Why Can’t I Associate A File Type on Windows 10?

1. The app that you want to associate with the file type is not installed on your computer.
Fix: Install the app from the Microsoft Store or from the app’s website.

2. You do not have administrative privileges to make changes to the system settings.
Fix: Log in as an administrator or request administrator access from your IT department.

3. The file type you want to associate is incompatible with the app you want to use.
Fix: Find another app that can support the file type or convert the file to a supported format.

Implications and Recommendations

Associating file types can make your work more efficient and save you time from searching for the right application to open a file. However, choosing the wrong app to associate with a file type can cause errors and prevent the file from opening. Therefore, it is recommended to double-check the app before making any changes to avoid any issues.

5 FAQs about Associating File Types on Windows 10

Q1: Can I associate multiple file types with one app?

A: Yes, you can select multiple file types and associate them with one app using the control panel method.

Q2: Can I change the default app for a file type?

A: Yes, you can change the default app for a file type by following the same steps to associate the file type with a new app.

Q3: Can I undo file association changes?

A: Yes, you can undo file association changes by selecting the default or recommended app from the list in the Properties or Control Panel window.

Q4: How do I know which app to associate with a file type?

A: You can search online for the recommended app for that file type or look for similar files with different extensions to see which app they are associated with.

Q5: Can I associate files with apps that I downloaded from the internet?

A: Yes, you can associate downloaded apps with file types as long as they are compatible with the file type.

Final Words

Associating file types with compatible apps can save you time and make your work more efficient. In this blog post, we have discussed three different methods to associate file types on Windows 10, along with their respective pros and cons. When choosing an app to associate with a file type, make sure to double-check the compatibility and watch out for errors that may occur if the wrong app is selected.