How to Fix the “This File Does Not Have an App Associated With It” Error

At times, your operating system might not recognize which program can open a file, leading to the “this file does not have an app associated with it” notification. This confusion arises after software installations or system adjustments. They alter how file type matches specific software, or your system doesn’t know which tool to use to open that file type.

In addition, removing or uninstalling built-in programs may lead to incomplete assignments for file associations, which causes this error. Hence, this guide will explain the simplest techniques to fix these concerns, including reinstalling missing software and resetting defaults. Furthermore, you will learn about a repair tool that can assist you in fixing corrupted or damaged video.

Part 1. Causes of the “This File Does Not Have a Program Associated with It” Error

Before moving towards solutions, you should first understand the key reasons behind the “this file does not have an app associated” error. Thus, let's jump right into what causes this error, as some of them are given below:

Part 2.Ways to Fix the “This File Does Not Have an App Associated with It” Error

After going through some major causes, it's time to fix the “this file does not have an app associated” error. Thus, listed below are the best fixes that user can opt for to resolve this problem:

Way 1. Ensure You Have an App Installed for All Types of Files

Primarily, Windows shows this error when it fails to find any appropriate apps to open files. Therefore, users must check if they have any apps installed to open their required files, such as documents and photos.

Installing the relevant app allows Windows to handle the file type smoothly and without confusion. Once the app is in place, the system connects it with the right files automatically and will not show you any error.

Way 2. Set the Default Application for the File Type

Defining a default program ensures your files are launched with the intended software, avoiding repeated prompts. This step aligns your system to open various file formats immediately. By specifying the application, you reduce confusion and prevent yourself from choosing an app whenever you open something. Below are the simple steps on how to set default applications and avoid the “this file does not have an app associated with it” error:

Step 1. Open your computer's “Settings” and find the “Apps” tab in the right menu to access it, and then press the “Default App” option.

Step 2. Go through available applications to pick one and set it as the default for a certain file type.

Way 3. Repair or Change the Default App

Many times, even though an app is set as the default for a file type, Windows might still show the “this file does not have an app associated” error. To deal with this, try running the app troubleshooter or using the repair and reset options in Windows settings. By doing so, you can restore proper file associations; hence, follow the steps mentioned below to repair the default app:

Step 1. Head over to your PC’s “Settings,” select the “Apps" tab from the sidebar, and click the "Installed Apps” option to proceed further.

Step 2. Then locate the app, tap the “Three Dots” to select “Advanced options," and move ahead.

Step 3. Here, hit the “Repair” button located below the "Reset” section to initiate the application repair process.

Way 4. Run SFC and DISM Scans to Fix System Files

Windows has multiple built-in features, including those that scan and fix system settings that affect how apps open files. They replace and repair the damaged data, helping your system recognize each file type reliably. With these scans, users can boost system stability and maintain smooth operations. Anyhow, follow the given steps and prevent your system from causing the "This file does not have an app associated with it” error:

Step 1. Using the “Search” at the task bar, look for the “Command Prompt,” and choose the “Run as Administrator” option.

Step 2. Next, type “sfc/scannow” and press the “Enter" key to start scanning and fixing your corrupt system files.

Step 3. For DISM, enter “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth” and press “Enter” so it can check your system thoroughly.

Way 5. Use the Windows Registry

Now, if none of the above ways work to solve the “this file does not have an app associated with it” issue, users can try the Windows Registry fix. Adjusting the Registry can help Windows recognize file types and link them to the right apps. As a result, this solution can restore lost connections between apps and their supported file types. By going through the steps below, users can fix this error:

Step 1. First of all, users should type “regedit” in the “Search” widget and click the “Open" button to launch the app.

Step 2. Here, you will put the following path “Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile” in the field below the navigation. Then, select the “Inkfile” key and find the string value named “IsShortcut” to delete it.

Step 3. After that, users have to create a new string value by right clicking the mouse and selecting “New.” Then, click the “String Value” to create IsShortcut again and restart your PC.

Part 3. How to Fix the Damaged Files Not Opening on Windows or a MacBook

By now, you might have gathered enough fixes for the "this file does not have an app associated with it” error. However, for those dealing with videos getting stuck or corrupted, let us introduce an advanced repair tool, Repairit. This reliable and professional video repair tool is designed to fix video damage while recording, editing, or in any other scenario. Notably, this tool supports a wide range of file formats, including CRM and DAT.

Furthermore, users can fix broken or unplayable videos recorded using any professional device, such as a GoPro or a Canon. Similarly, this tool supports a massive sample library that can correctly identify the characteristics in damaged videos. With this tool, you can import 8K videos to fix them without worrying about any size limit. They can preview their repaired videos to check their frames and visual quality before saving them.

Key Features

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• Repair damaged files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.

• Support to repair all formats of PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zip, and Adobe files.

• Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.

• No limit to the number and size of the repairable files.

• Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.13~macOS 15.

Simple Tutorial to Repair Corrupt Videos Using Repairit’s Professional Mode

After going through the innovative video repair features, learn how to fix your damaged and corrupted videos using this AI-powered tool:

Step 1. Turn on the "Professional mode" switch as you launch the latest version of the software and click the "Start” button to move forward.

Step 2. Using the next page, hit the “+Add” button and import your problematic videos like HDR, LOG, RSV, DAT, BRAW, and CRM.

Step 3. Following that, hit the "Repair” button and let the tool start professional video repair. Once the repair process is completed, a pop-up will appear, requiring you to press the “Save” button.

Conclusion

To conclude, the “this file does not have an app associated with it” error means your system cannot find the right program to open a specific file. This guide explained the procedures for fixing it, which included setting default apps and repairing software.

You can also try built-in tools or make changes in the Windows Registry for deeper fixes. Additionally, if you have damaged videos, you should try Repairit's advanced AI algorithms to fix them in seconds.