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File Association Helper: What is it and how to Remove it
A simple uintsallation may suffice
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
File Association Helperis free software that often appears out of nowhere in the Start Menu of Windows computers. As a result, many users think this mysterious software ismalware.
The software is compatible with all Windows versions, fromWindows XPto Windows 10.
The only downside is that it creates a Windows startup command when installing it and automatically launches every time you boot your PC.
This guide will tell you all you need to know about the File Associate Helper.
What is File Association Helper?
This is a software program that helps manage file associations in Windows. File associations are the links between specific file types and the programs that open them.
For example, a .doc file is typically associated withMicrosoft Word, and double-clicking on a .doc file will open it in Microsoft Word.
File Association Helper allows users to view andmodify these file associationsand add new file types to be associated with specific programs.
This helps if you want to change the default program that opens a particular file type or if you want to open a file type that isn’t associated with any program on your computer.
File Association Helper can also troubleshoot issues with file associations, such as when double-clicking on a file doesn’t open it in the expected program. By checking and modifying file associations, you can ensure that files are opened in the correct program and that your computer runs smoothly.
Can I remove File Association Helper?
Whether you can remove this utility depends on how it was installed on your computer.
If File Association Helper was installed as a standalone program, you could typicallyuninstallit like any other program through the Control Panel or the Settings app on your computer.
However, removing it may be more complex and recommended if File Association Helper is installed as part of another program or your operating system. Removing File Association Helper could break significant file associations and cause other programs to stop working correctly.
Suppose you need to decide whether you should remove File Association Helper. In that case, it’s best to leave it installed and seek advice from a qualified technician or the support resources for the program or operating system it came with.
How can I remove File Association Helper?
1. Uninstall File Association Helper via Control Panel
2. Use a dedicated tool to remove software leftovers
If you performed all the steps after this one, you would have removed 99.9% of all the files and folders left behind by File Association Helper. However, there may be a few files that escaped your scrutiny. You can also use adedicated software uninstallerto ensure you have removed all of them.
These applications are designed to remove the selected application and all its files and registry entries. As a result, the application will be removed entirely from your PC.
Thus you have a valuable solution that will uninstall any files reminiscent in a few clicks:IObit Uninstaller.
If you want to learn about leftovers, you can learnhow to remove software leftoversfrom your PC.
3. Clean the Registry Editor
Now that you removed the program, you also need to remove any traces or file changes associated with it.
4. Check all the hidden files and folders
File Association Helper may have left behind various hidden files and folders. To altogether remove the software, you must delete these files.
5. Empty Temp Folder
The final step is to clean the Temp folder where all thetemporary filesare stored.
If the system displays an error message when deleting some files, leave them. The files might be in use by Windows services or some running software.
To sum up, File Association Helper is not a malicious program. Instead, it is a third-party file archive software you can easily remove from your PC for good, following the above steps.
More about the topics:Uninstall issues and guides
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
