Comprehensive Guide: How to Remove Applications from the ‘Open With’ List in Windows

Key Notes

  • Utilize the Registry Editor cautiously to remove unwanted entries.
  • Consider using OpenWithView for an easy-to-navigate solution.
  • CCleaner can effectively group and address multiple registry items at once.

Streamlining Your Windows ‘Open With’ Menu: A Practical Guide

Managing the “Open with” feature in Windows can enhance your workflow by clearing unnecessary application clutter. This guide will show you effective ways to remove unwanted applications from this list, ensuring a more organized experience when opening your files.

Step 1: Modify the Registry Editor

Step 1: Access the Registry Editor

Begin by pressing Windows Key + R to launch the Run dialog. Input regedit and press Enter. Accept any User Account Control (UAC) prompts that appear to continue.

Pro Tip: Always back up your registry before making any modifications. This can prevent data loss if any errors occur during editing.

Step 2: Navigate to FileExts

Once in the Registry Editor, locate the following key or paste it into the address bar: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations and hit Enter. Expand the list to find FileExts.

Step 3: Delete Unwanted Applications

Within the FileExts key, find your target file extension (such as.avi).Click on the OpenWithList folder and locate the application to remove. Right-click it and select Delete, confirming the action when prompted.

Pro Tip: Keep the default subkey intact to avoid issues with the file association.

Step 4: Refresh Applications

After deleting an unwanted app, it won’t appear in the “Open with” options for that file type. Repeat this process for each file type needing adjustment.

Step 2: Utilize OpenWithView Tool

Step 5: Download OpenWithView

Download and run OpenWithView as an administrator. The utility requires no installation, providing a straightforward method to manage your “Open with” list.

Step 6: Disable Applications

After launching OpenWithView, you will see a list of applications associated with file opening. To remove an app, right-click on it and select Disable selected items to tidy up your menu.

Step 3: Eliminate Registry Items with CCleaner

Step 7: Install and Launch CCleaner

Download the free version of CCleaner and open it. Navigate to Tools followed by Registry. Here, you can scan for issues including Obsolete Software.

Step 8: Review and Fix Issues

When scanning finishes, find any entries related to Open with and select Review selected issues. CCleaner will show you irrelevant software entries, helping you to tidy up.

Step 9: Remove Obsolete Programs

Select and fix the identified issues, primarily by deleting outdated registry entries. This should correctly eliminate unwanted applications from appearing in your “Open with” options.

Additional Tips

  • Regularly review your “Open with” list to keep it uncluttered.
  • Consider uninstalling applications you rarely use.
  • Use dedicated cleanup tools for periodic system maintenance.

Summary

This guide explored various methods for decluttering the Windows “Open With” menu. From utilizing the Registry Editor for direct modification to employing tools such as OpenWithView and CCleaner, users can effectively manage their application settings, ensuring a clean and efficient interface.

Conclusion

Streamlining your “Open with” options can greatly enhance your productivity and overall user experience in Windows. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage applications, leading to a more organized file-opening process.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is my Open With list cluttered?

Applications that have been previously installed or those that remain in the registry can accumulate over time, creating a long list of options.

Is it safe to edit the registry?

Editing the registry is safe as long as you follow instructions carefully and back it up beforehand to prevent possible issues.

Can I recover deleted registry items?

If you backed up your registry before making changes, you can restore it from that backup. If not, you may need to reinstall the affected applications.