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Set associations for a program is blank/greyed out [SOLVED]

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Windows, by default, sets someprogramsas default apps to open files withspecific file types. The user can, however, change the defaultprogramby changing the file association for aprogramfrom theFile Explorer. However, sometimes, the set association for aprogrammay not preserve the changes or show the sectionblankorgreyed out.

Is the File Association option blank or greyed out for defaultprograms? For starters, reset default apps inWindows10 and re-assign them again.

This is the best way to resolve the problem. On the other hand, if the issue persists, restore defaultWindowsFile Extensions or use Registry Editor to fix it.

Check the detailed instructions below.

How do I fix Set associations for a program is blank/greyed out?

How do I fix Set associations for a program is blank/greyed out?

1. Reset Default Apps in Windows 10

If the issue persists after performing a deep scan with your securityprograms, try to reset the default apps inWindows10. Here is how to do it:

Now try to open the file and check if the “Always use thisprogramto open file type”option forOpenwith is functioning or not.

2. Restore Default Windows File Extensions

If you are using Windows7 or if the resetting the Default Apps settings inWindows10 did not resolve the error, you can restore the defaultWindowsfile extension through the registry editor. Here is how to do it.

Want to enable Reserved Storage on Windows 10? Here’s how to do it properly!

3. Alternate Registry Editor Fix

If the problem is occurring after you have set a specific file type toopenwith a specificprogram(like .ini file type with regedit tool) and now unable to restore the settings to default, follow these steps.

Note:For this article, I will be using the regedit tool for demonstration. Make sure you apply these steps to the problematicprogramappropriate in your case.

If you found our solutions helpful, let us know in the comments section below.

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Tashreef Shareef

Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.

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