I recently updated my system and now the .cmd files are no longer associated with my text editor. I prefer this association because I frequently need to edit these files at work, and do not want them to automatically run when I double-click on them as they require input options.
Normally, right-clicking on most file types brings up the “Open with” context menu, but this is not the case for .cmd files. How can I get the context menu to appear for these file types?
I have tried using the “Choose default apps by file type” control panel, but it does not provide any options for me to set a default for these file types. When I try to select a default for any file type, the system tells me that nothing is installed and directs me to the App Store. I do not want to use the App Store because I already have a program installed that can handle these file types. It seems that this program is from a few years ago and is not considered an “app” by the modern system, which is why it is not showing up in the control panel.
I have also tried going to the “Default Programs” control panel at “Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Default Programs”, but the top two options on this screen both bring me back to the same screen.
As a workaround, I have been able to use regedit to go to the “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cmdfile\shell\open\command” location and change the file association manually. However, I would prefer to find a solution that does not involve using regedit, as I would not feel comfortable suggesting this to all users. Is it possible to change the file association for .cmd files through the user interface?
3 Answers
Windows 10 – .cmd Files Are Not Associated With Text Editor
If you frequently work with .cmd files, you may have experienced a situation where the file is not associated with your preferred text editor. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to edit the file frequently and do not want it to automatically run when you double-click on it. In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide a solution that does not involve using regedit.
Possible Causes of the Issue
There are several reasons why .cmd files may not be associated with your preferred text editor. One common cause is a recent system update that may have changed the default file association. Another possible cause is the absence of a default program that can handle .cmd files. This can happen if you have installed an older program that is not recognized as an “app” by the modern system.
Solution
The solution to this issue involves changing the default program for .cmd files. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
The first step is to open the Control Panel. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and typing “Control Panel” in the search box. Click on the Control Panel app to open it.
Step 2: Go to Default Programs
Once you are in the Control Panel, click on the “Default Programs” option. This will open a new window where you can manage the default programs for various file types.
Step 3: Choose Default Apps by File Type
In the Default Programs window, click on the “Choose default apps by file type” option. This will open a list of file types and their associated default apps.
Step 4: Find .cmd File Type
Scroll down the list until you find the .cmd file type. Click on it to select it.
Step 5: Choose Default Program
Click on the “Choose a default” option to choose a default program for .cmd files. This will open a list of programs that can handle .cmd files. Choose your preferred text editor from the list and click on it to select it.
Step 6: Save Changes
Once you have selected your preferred text editor, click on the “Save” button to save the changes. This will associate .cmd files with your preferred text editor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are experiencing issues with .cmd files not being associated with your preferred text editor, you can follow the steps outlined in this blog post to change the default program. This will allow you to edit .cmd files without worrying about them automatically running when you double-click on them.
You can use the “Open with” context menu to change the default program for opening .cmd files. Here’s how you can do it:
- Right-click on a .cmd file and select “Open with” from the context menu.
- If you see your text editor in the list of programs, select it and check the box that says “Always use this app to open .cmd files”.
- If your text editor is not in the list, click on “More apps” and then select your text editor from the list of available programs.
- If your text editor is still not listed, you can browse for it by clicking on “Look for another app on this PC”.
Alternatively, you can use the “Default Programs” control panel to change the default program for .cmd files. Here’s how:
- Go to the “Default Programs” control panel at “Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Default Programs”.
- Click on “Associate a file type or protocol with a program”.
- Scroll down the list of file types and find “.cmd”.
- Click on the “Change program” button.
- Select your text editor from the list of programs and click on “OK”.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
To my knowledge, there is no graphical user interface (GUI) method that can be used to change the file association for .cmd files other than the ones you have already tried.
There are several posts on our site that discuss the limitations that Windows 10 has placed on default type-handlers, which often require updating the registry as the only solution.
You do not need to ask your users to directly access regedit. Instead, you can export your registry settings to a .reg file and distribute it, or create a .bat file with the necessary REG commands and distribute that. This will allow your users to change the file association without directly accessing the registry.