- The error is usually caused by file association issues or a missing compatible application.
- Correctly setting the default apps usually resolves the issue.
- In advanced cases, it may be necessary to edit the registry. Windows With precaution.
Have you ever encountered that annoying Windows message that says "This file doesn't have an application associated with it to perform the action"? You're not alone. Many Windows users encounter this error when trying to open files, folders, programs, or even games, and it's not always easy to know why it happens or how to fix it.
In this article, we explain in depth all the possible causes of this error in Windows and, most importantly, provide detailed step-by-step solutions so you can open your files again without any problems. Whether the error appears when trying to open images, documents, applications, or folders, here you'll find the most complete, clear, and up-to-date guide to resolve it quickly and easily.
Why do I get the error message “This file does not have an associated application” in Windows?
The error usually appears when Windows doesn't know which program to use to open a specific type of file, or when there's a problem with the usual application or the file itself. Although it seems like a simple problem, it can actually be due to many different causes:
- You don't have the necessary application installed for that file type.
- The correct application is installed but is not set as default.
- The application has been corrupted, deleted, or is experiencing malfunctions.
- The file itself is damaged or corrupted.
- There is an error in the internal configuration of Windows, especially in the registry.
- The error may appear when opening folders or shortcuts, not just individual files.
Therefore, there is no single magic solution; instead, you have to try the different options we'll show you, depending on your situation.
Complete guide to fix the unassociated application error in Windows
1. Check if you have the necessary application installed
The first thing you should check is whether you have any applications installed that can open that type of file. This is especially important for rare or uncommon extensions. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on the file and select “Properties.”
- On the “General” tab, look for the “File Type” section. This will show you the extension (for example, .pdf, .jpeg, .docx, etc.).
- If the extension is common but the file doesn't open, move on to the next step. If it's an unknown extension, search the internet for programs that open it and install it.
You can also right-click > Open with > Choose another app. Windows will tell you if you have any compatible programs installed. If none appear, you need to install one.
2. Set the default application to open those files
If the app is already installed but the error continues to appear, it's likely that it's not set as the default app to open files of that type. Follow these steps:
- Right click on the file and select “Open with > Choose another app.”
- Check the box that says “Always use this application to open files.” (for example, .pdf) and select the appropriate application.
- If the app you're looking for doesn't appear, select “More applications” or “Look for another app on this computer.”
- Another option is to go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and search by file type or extension, selecting the correct program there.
This usually solves the problem in most cases.
3. If the default app is already selected, repair or reinstall it.
It may happen that the default application is set correctly, but the error still appears. This can happen if the app is corrupted. Try the following:
- Run the Windows troubleshooter for applications. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Update the app from the Microsoft Store or the developer's official website.
- Uninstall and reinstall the app.
- Reset the app cache or restore it from Settings > Apps.
After these steps, try opening the file again. If the problem persists, try another supported app.
4. Check if the file is damaged or corrupted
If the problem only occurs with a specific file, the file itself may be corrupted.
- Try opening other files with the same extension using the same application.
- If they open without problems, the original file is probably corrupt.
- In that case, try recovering a previous version of the file from a backup.
- For system files, you can use tools like System File Checker (sfc /scannow) from the console commands.
- There are also third-party applications specifically designed to repair damaged files of certain formats. For more details on this process, see our article on (https://mundobytes.com/fix-vbs-file-opening-problem/).
5. Troubleshoot the Windows Registry (Advanced)
If none of the above works, there may be a problem in Windows' internal settings related to file associations, especially in the system registry.
- It is recommended to create a registry backup before making changes.
- Open Registry Editor from the Start menu by typing regedit.
- Navigate to the route HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ lnkfile.
- In the right pane, find the string value called “IsShortcut”.
- If it doesn't exist, right click on a blank space, select New > String value and create one with that name.
- If the value exists but fails, delete the value and recreate it with the same name.
- Restart your computer after these changes.
This technical fix addresses internal shortcut and file association errors.
6. Extra steps if the error occurs when opening folders or shortcuts
Sometimes the error appears not when opening a file, but a folder, shortcut, or even an application or game. In these cases, try the following:
- Restart file explorer using Task Manager.
- If you're trying to open the folder from Windows Search, try opening it directly from Explorer.
- If they are games installed via launchers, open them from the client itself (Steam, Epic, etc) and not from shortcuts.
- Make sure you are logged into the launcher before opening the game.
- Check the integrity of the files from the game or launcher settings itself.
7. Last alternatives: restore, reinstall or use another user
If after all the above the error persists, you can try the following solutions:
- Create a new user account in Windows and check if the error disappears.
- Repair Windows using tools like System Restore, or from Settings > Recovery.
- As a last resort, reinstall the operating system. Make sure you have backup copies of your important files.
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