Customising the “Open With” Menu on Windows 10 and 11
Ever right-click a file and see the ‘Open with’ option? It’s pretty handy — until you realise your favourite app isn’t showing up there, or you want to add a programme manually. That’s when things can get a bit tricky. Honestly, it’s not always straightforward, and Windows doesn’t always make it as easy as it could be.
I’ve had trouble trying to add my usual editors and tools, especially on the newer Windows 11 builds — some programmes just wouldn’t appear without a bit of tinkering. It’s not always obvious where to find the right settings or how to get Windows to recognise new apps, especially with all the different menus, updates, or OEM customisations in play. And forget about it if options are greyed out or missing altogether; sometimes, the settings are buried deep or require registry edits.
First things first: identify the file type you want to customise
This sounds simple — just know the file extension, like .xyz or .abc. But in reality, Windows uses those extensions to distinguish file types, so if the extension isn’t clear or is hidden behind some obscure setting, you might get stuck. Double-check the file’s extension — sometimes a typo or an uncommon extension can throw things off. Once you’ve got that sorted, you can start associating your programme with it or tell Windows to recognise that extension as something it can open.
If your app isn’t already linked to that extension, you might need to register it manually via the command line or tweak the registry. For most users, the easiest starting point is through the “Open with” menu, but be aware — the process isn’t entirely universal and can vary depending on your Windows version or OEM customisations.
How to add a programme manually via “Open with”
Right-click a file of the relevant type. When the menu appears, go to “Open with”. Here’s where I’ve run into some confusion — sometimes, only a few apps are listed. To add a new one, select “Choose another app”. On Windows 11, you might need to click “More apps” or scroll to find the link “Look for another app on this PC”. It’s often tucked away at the bottom, and in newer builds, it can be a bit hard to spot.
Click that, and a file browser window will open. Now, you need to find the executable (.exe) for your programme. Typical locations are C:\Program Files\MyApp\myapp.exe, but depending on how you installed it, it could be in Program Files (x86) or elsewhere. If you’re feeling lazy like me, right-click the shortcut for the programme and select “Open file location”. That’ll take you straight to the folder containing the executable, saving some hassle.
Once you find the correct .exe file, select it. Make sure you check the box “Always use this app to open .xyz files”. This step is key because it tells Windows to remember your choice for future files with that extension. Otherwise, each time you open a file, Windows might default back to its original setting, which can be frustrating.
Wrap-up: see your new app in the list
Click “OK”. Windows should now remember this association and, importantly, add your program to the “Open with” menu for that file type. Later, when you right-click such a file, your chosen app should appear right there, ready to go. Sometimes, the menu doesn’t update immediately. In my experience, restarting Windows Explorer (taskkill /f /im explorer.exe then start explorer.exe) helps refresh the context menu, but it’s not always necessary.
I’ve set this up for various file types now, and it genuinely saves a lot of time — especially if you switch between editors like Notepad++, VS Code, or specialised image viewers. Once configured, it feels much smoother, and you won’t need to hunt through default apps all the time.
Repeat the process for other extensions if needed
If you want your programme to handle multiple file types, just repeat the steps for each extension. Keep in mind, some extensions are registered differently or are tied to default handlers managed by Windows. If things aren’t sticking, you might need to tweak default app settings in Settings > Apps > Default apps. Or, if you’re comfortable editing the registry, changing keys under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT can give you more control.
But honestly, I’ve only gone down that path when things are stubborn. For most, manually adding through “Open with” and setting as default works quite reliably — once you get used to the process.
Tips based on my experience
Windows can sometimes reset these associations after big updates or reinstallations. I’ve lost some customised links that way and had to redo everything. If your favourite apps disappear from the menu, don’t be surprised — it’s normal, but a bit annoying. To avoid this, check your default app settings regularly or keep a backup of your preferred associations.
It can also be a pain to find the right app. Always double-check you’re selecting the correct executable — I’ve linked to the wrong file or a suspicious shortcut more than once, which can be risky. Take your time, and double-check before clicking “Open”.
If manual methods fail, registry edits or third-party tools like Default Programs Editor might help. But I usually avoid these unless absolutely necessary. For most folks, the “Open with” method is enough if you’re patient.
Summary — what to double-check
- The file extension matches the type you want to change.
- You’ve navigated to the correct programme executable.
- Checked “Always use this app” to set the default.
- Refreshed Explorer if changes don’t appear immediately (
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe). - Remember that system updates can reset associations — revisit your setup if things break after installing updates.
Hopefully, this detailed guide helps — it took me quite a bit to figure out myself. But once it clicks, customizing the “Open with” menu can save heaps of time. Good luck, and may your file associations stay customised!