How to restore an Open With file to its original format?

Opening a file on your computer and getting an Open with error will be quite annoying. To fix the error and return the Open with file to its original format, try following the instructions below!

Are you looking for a way to return the Open with file to its original format ? Stay calm because not only you but also many people out there are experiencing the same situation. For those new to computers, fixing this error will be a bit difficult. However, with some of the following information, this situation will no longer trouble you.

How to restore an Open With file to its original format? Picture 1

How to restore a file that has been opened with to its original format?

While using the computer and using the Open with command, many people have encountered errors. This error will prevent users from reading the file in the usual way. At this point we need to return the Open with file to its original form to be able to open the file.

The cause of the Open with error on the computer is often unclear. It could be because you made a mistake causing the error or it could also be due to a system error.

How to restore the Open with file to its original Windows 10 format?

It's not a serious error, but if you don't have experience, it's very difficult for you to handle. If you unfortunately encounter an Open with error, you can handle it by restoring Open With to its original state. Below are 2 ways you can do this.

1/ How to return the file to its original format using Choose default program

If you have tried opening the file with the Open with command and got an error. At this point, use the Choose default program to return the Open with file to its original form.

1. Step 1 : Right-click on the file you need to open, then select Open with .
2. Step 2 : Select Choose another app as shown.

How to restore an Open With file to its original format? Picture 3

1. Step 3 : Select the software you want to use to open the file. Then tick the Always use this app to Open. box and click ok .

How to restore an Open With file to its original format? Picture 5

2/ Use Registry to fix Open with error

Normally, with the method I have instructed above, you will quickly handle the Open with error. But if you have tried the above method and the Open with error still persists, then please follow these steps.

1. Step 1 : Call the Run dialog box on the screen by pressing Windows + R. Then enter the keyword regedit and press enter .
2. Step 2 : When a new window appears, find the following link. HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExtsInkOpenWithList .
3. Step 3 : In the right window, delete all items and leave the Default item as shown.

How to restore an Open With file to its original format? Picture 7

With just the simple steps above, you can fix the Open with error on your computer.

How to return a file that was Open with to its original format in Windows 11?

If you encounter the Open with error on Win 11, not Win 10. Now you can completely apply the measures I introduced above to fix the error. According to my experience, these measures will handle errors very effectively. But if you have tried everything and the error still persists, it is most likely because the file itself that needs to be opened is corrupted. Now try opening another similar file to see what the situation is like!

Just now there is some information related to how to return files that have been Open with to their original format. Hopefully this information can help you quickly handle the Open with error on your computer.

Kareem Winters

Update 15 May 2024