Fix This File Does Not Have an App Associated With It

ByCaesar Hours

Each unique file type necessitates a specific application or program for its opening. For example, video files can be accessed using a video player, while text files and documents can be opened with a text/document editor. In Windows, there are default software options that can open most file types on your system. However, there are cases where Windows fails to recognize certain file types, resulting in the occurrence of the “This file does not have an app associated with it” error.

This error has been reported by users, even for file types that were previously recognized by Windows. It is a common issue experienced by many individuals using Windows 10 and now Windows 11. So, how can you resolve this problem?

Fix This File Does Not Have An App Associated With It For Performing This Action

This article will discuss various troubleshooting steps to help fix this file that does not have an app associated with it for performing this action error.

Run SFC and DISM Scan

The initial step you should take is to perform an SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan. This error is often caused by corrupted files and can be resolved by running these scans. We suggest starting with the SFC scan and observing whether it resolves the error. To run the SFC scan, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu. In the Start Menu, search for CMD.
  2. From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator.”
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  4. The scan will initiate and run. Wait for the process to complete, and then restart your PC.
  5. This should most likely resolve the issue. However, if the error persists, proceed with the DISM scan. Follow the steps below to do so:
  6. Run Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
  7. Type and execute the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  8. Once the scan is finished, close the Command Prompt window and restart your PC.

Make Changes To The Registry

Modifying specific Registry settings can also be helpful in resolving the issue. However, it is strongly recommended to create a backup of your Registry settings before making any changes. Follow the steps below to adjust the Registry and fix the ‘This file does not have an app associated with it’ error:

  1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key. Search for “Registry Editor” and open it.
  2. Navigate to the following address in the Registry Editor: Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile
  3. Check if the “IsShortcut” value is available. If it exists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step. If it’s not present, follow the next step.
  4. Right-click on an empty space in the right pane, select “New,” and then choose “String Value.”
  5. Rename the newly created key to “IsShortcut.”
  6. Now, go to the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\Manage\command
  7. Double-click on “Default” to modify it.
  8. Ensure that the Value Data is set to: %SystemRoot%\system32\CompMgmtLauncher.exe If the value data is different, you can make the necessary changes.
  9. Once done, restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the error.

Add User Account To The Administrator Group

The next troubleshooting step involves adding the user account to the administrator group. When you lack administrative privileges, certain files may be inaccessible on your PC. You can follow the steps below to accomplish this:

How to Fix Critical Process Died Error in Windows 11

  1. Press the Windows key + R key combination, type “lusrmgr.msc,” and click the OK button.
  2. Double-click on the “Groups” folder in the left sidebar to open it.
  3. On the right side, double-click on “Administrators” to open its properties.
  4. Click on the “Add” button.
  5. In the “Enter the object names to select” field, enter your name and click on “Check Names.”
  6. Click OK. Verify if your user account has been added to the administrator group.
  7. Once completed, click on “Apply” and then on “OK.”
  8. Sign out of your PC and sign in again. Note: This method is not applicable to Windows 11 Home Edition.

By following these steps, you should be able to add your user account to the administrator group and potentially resolve the issue.

Run PowerShell Command

You can resolve the issue you’ve been experiencing by running a PowerShell command to reinstall all the universal apps. Follow the steps below:

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “PowerShell” in the Start Menu.
  2. Right-click on “PowerShell” from the search results and select “Run as administrator.” This will open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
  3. In the PowerShell window, enter the following command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$.InstallLocation -like “SystemApps”} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
  4. Once the command is executed, wait for the process to complete.
  5. After completion, check if the issue has been resolved.

By following these steps, you should be able to reinstall all the universal apps using PowerShell, which may fix the problem you were facing.

Disable Autoplay

To address the issue, you can attempt disabling autoplay for all devices. Follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I key to open the Settings app on your PC.
  2. In the left sidebar of the Settings app, click on “Bluetooth & other devices.”
  3. On the right side, click on “AutoPlay.”
  4. Turn off the toggle switch for AutoPlay.
  5. Set “Removable drive” and “Memory card” to “Take no action.”
  6. Once completed, the issue should be resolved.

By following these steps, you can disable autoplay for all devices and potentially fix the problem you were encountering.

Perform System Restore

If you are experiencing the issue following an update, app installation, driver update, or driver reinstallation, we recommend performing a system restore. This process will revert your PC to a previous point in time when the changes were made. To perform a system restore, you will need a restore point. If you are unsure how to create a restore point, you can refer to our guide on performing a System Restore.

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Final Words

Here’s the solution to fix the ‘This file does not have an app associated with it’ error. If you encounter this issue while attempting to open a file, follow the steps provided in this article. By doing so, you will be able to resolve the error and successfully open your files.

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