This File Does Not Have an App Associated With It – How to Fix It

Have you recently made attempts to open a file, game or app, only to be greeted with the “This file does not have an app associated with it” error message? If so, then you’d probably want to know a little more about it. For one, it occurs, primarily when the app required to run the file type is not associated. In other situations, it could be because the app does not exist (on the system). Either way, you’ll want to fix it, which we’ll cover in this tutorial.

There are those odd times when you may try to open an app, only to receive the following error message:

This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. Please install an app or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page.

However, the installed app and its association(s) may already be present on the system.

This error is known to occur most commonly when opening File Explorer. However, there are instances when it may occur while attempting to open pictures, archived files, apps or games.

In certain situations the Windows operating system may fail to recognize the app that is required to open the file, resulting in the aforementioned error. This mishap could be the result of a recent system change or program installation. As the interactions between files types and how they interact could have been altered.

In other scenarios the uninstallation or addition of proprietary Windows apps could result in broken file associations.

That said, this problem can be fixed, and in most instances very simply. However, before we tackle the solutions, let’s take a deeper look at its common causes.

What Causes “This File Does Not Have an App Associated With It” Errors?

Before making any attempts to tackle a computer error, it’s always best to get some understanding of what’s causing it. For that reason, we’ll jump right ahead into its most common causes:

• The file association is corrupted: As previously noted, file associations can be corrupted or damaged after a system crash, Windows update or installation of a new app.
• Corrupted Windows registry: The registry is an integral area of the operating system. For this reason, wrong changes to it, can inhibit how it interacts with certain files.
• The file association is missing: It’s possible the actual file association does not exist. This typically occurs when a file is newly introduced to a system.
• Default app was uninstalled: It’s not uncommon for end users to erase certain native apps (to save hard disc space). However, when this occurs, it can leave some file types without an associated app to run it.

Other reasons one must consider include a broken or corrupted app or game shortcut or the erasure of integral of system files.

So, how do you fix it? Continue reading to find out.

How to Fix It

Now that we’ve gone through the common causes for “this file does not have an app associated with it” errors, what can you do to fix it? Well, many things. As is typical, the solution that works will depend greatly on the errors root cause.

So, for the sake of ease and clarity, let’s start with the basics first. In this instances, that is the reinstallation of the required app.

If you recently installed the app required to open the file type, and it’s still not working, it’s possible the installation didn’t complete correctly. In this situation, you have several options, with the most conclusive being to simply reinstall the app.

1. So, download the app installer again.

2. Then double-click to open and follow the onscreen instructions.

Note: Some apps may require you to uninstall it first. In situations like this, you can remove the app by accessing Add or Remove Programs.

Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix “This File Does Not Have an App Associated With It” Errors

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Additionally, it can tackle DLL, BSOD, registry, runtime errors and much more.

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The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Check the Appropriate App Exists (On Your System)

Typically, “this file does not have an app associated with it” is an error message that will occur when the appropriate app to open the file fails. For this reason, it’s important to ensure the appropriate app exists on your system, to open the file, picture or document.

When you have all the relevant apps installed on your system, it will ensure a much smoother and more delightful Windows experience.

Anyway, to check your file associations, simply do the following:

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Now, right-click on the File and select Properties.

3. On the General Tab, look at Opens with and see whether or not it has an associated app. If it does not, then you will need to install one.

Note: I suggest you use a Search Engine to figure out what app(s) you will require to open the file.

Once you’ve found an app, simply download and install it. The association should be created automatically.

Alternatively, you can simply click on the Change button (on the General Tab), besides Opens with and select the newly installed app.

Set Default Apps for File Types

Setting up your default programs will ensure your files run when needed. The error message “this file does not have an app associated with it” suggests that the associated app does not exist or has not been setup. Assuming that’s correct, you can prevent future heartache of bother, by going through the different file types on your system, and ensuring they all have programs assigned to run them.

To do that, just follow the steps below:

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + I, then click on Apps.

3. This will bring up the Apps applet, from here, click on Default Apps.

4. When Default Apps appears, scroll down, and click on Choose default applications by file type.

5. Now, go through the list of file types and assign a default app where applicable – by clicking on Choose a default.

Recreate Shortcut

If the “this file does not have an app associated with it” error message appears when attempting to load a game or app via a shortcut, then it’s possible the shortcut has been corrupted.

In instances like this, you can recreate the shortcut by doing the following:

1. Ensure you’ve booted into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then right-click on the Shortcut and select Properties.

3. On the Shortcut Tab, click on Open File Location.

4. This will bring up the .exe folder. Now, right-click on the Shortcut again and select Delete.

5. In the .exe folder, right-click on the Executable File and select Send to -> Desktop (create shortcut).

Now, you can try opening the app or game using the newly created shortcut.

Use Registry Fix

If the above solutions fail to fix the “this file does not have an app associated with it” error, then you may want to try this registry fix.

WARNING: The registry is a very sensitive area of the operating system. As a result, any wrong modification can render your system inoperable.

1. Boot into your system as an admin.

2. Now, press + R, type regedit and click on OK.

3. When Registry Editor loads up, go to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile

4. Now, in the right pane, locate and right-click on IsShortcut and select Delete.

5. Then right-click in the right pane and select New -> String Value.

6. Lastly, name it IsShortcut. Then close Registry Editor and restart your system.

Check File Integrity

If you’re trying to open the file using an app that should be compatible with it, and it’s not working, then you may want to verify that the problem doesn’t exist with the file itself.

To do this, you will need to try and open a similar file (of the same file type) with the app that is not working with the problematic file.

If the file loads without problem, then the error is likely due to a corrupt file. In which case, you will need to reacquire the file.

However, if the same problem persists, then you know the problem is with the associated app.

Repair System Files to Fix “This File Does Not Have an App Associated With It” Errors

Sometimes integral system files can become corrupted, resulting in certain file types not working. In situations like this, the only way to fix the problem is by restoring the damaged system files.

Luckily a built-in tool called System File Check (SFC) exists to do just that. For instructions on how to use this tool, check out my post on how to run SFC Scannow.

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