Alex Ruben
Resolve the “This File Does Not Have an App Associated With It” Error in Windows
If you’re encountering the frustrating error message “This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action,” you’re not alone. This issue typically arises when trying to access files or settings within Windows, and can often be traced back to recent updates or incorrect file associations. Fortunately, there are two straightforward methods to resolve this problem, allowing you to regain full access to your files and settings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through both methods step-by-step, ensuring that you can quickly fix this issue and prevent it from recurring in the future.
Before starting, ensure you have administrator access on your Windows device, as some steps require elevated permissions. You should also take a backup of your registry to avoid any unintended consequences during modifications.
Step 1: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
Sometimes, recent updates can cause conflicts that lead to file association errors. Uninstalling the latest updates may resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting it.
- In the Settings window, navigate to Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update in the left pane.
- Select View update history.
- Click on Uninstall updates at the top of the page.
- In the list of installed updates, look for the most recent one that may be causing the issue. Select it and click on Uninstall.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation. Your computer may restart during this process.
- After the restart, check if you can access your files or settings without the error message.
Step 2: Modify the Windows Registry
If uninstalling updates did not resolve the issue, the next step involves modifying the Windows Registry to restore file associations. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Open the search menu by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar.
- Type
regeditand press Enter to open the Registry Editor. If prompted for permission, click Yes. - In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. - In the left pane, find and expand the folder containing the file type that is causing the error. You can search for
.inkfiles specifically. - Look for an entry named
ISShortcut. Right-click on it and select Delete. - Confirm the deletion by clicking Yes.
Run Command Prompt to Restore File Associations
After modifying the registry, you will need to run a few commands in Command Prompt to restore the default file associations:
- Open the search menu again and type
cmd. - Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Wait for the command to complete. This process may take some time as it repairs the system image.
- After the first command runs successfully, enter the second command:
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Allow the System File Checker to scan and repair any corrupted files. This may also take a few minutes.
Restart Your Computer and Verify the Fix
Once you’ve completed the commands, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer. After rebooting, check if the error message still appears when you try to access your files or settings.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To avoid encountering this error in the future, consider the following tips:
- Regularly check for Windows updates and install them to keep your system secure and stable.
- Backup your registry before making any changes to prevent potential issues.
- If you frequently use specific applications, ensure they are set as the default for their respective file types in Settings > Apps > Default apps.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error “This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action.” Both methods are effective in fixing file association issues, allowing you to regain access to your Windows settings and files. If the problem persists, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or relevant tech forums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the error still appears after trying both methods?
If the error persists, there may be deeper issues with your Windows installation. Consider performing a system restore to an earlier point when your system was functioning correctly.
Can I revert the registry changes if something goes wrong?
Yes, if you backed up your registry before making changes, you can restore it by importing the saved backup file.
Is it safe to delete the ISShortcut entry from the registry?
Yes, deleting the ISShortcut entry is a common solution for fixing file association errors and should not adversely affect your system.