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Fix: This File Does Not Have An App Associated on Windows 11

Get back to opening any file in a few clicks

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Are you getting a message on your Windows 11 computer that reads,This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action?It means that you can’t open a file or perform an action you need to.

The full error often reads:This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. please install an app or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page.

In this article, we’ll explain why you might see this message and how you can fix it. Note that users may also face thiserror on Windows 10 devices.

Why do I get the message this file does not have an app associated?

Why do I get the message this file does not have an app associated?

There are a few reasons why you might be seeing this message on your Windows 11 computer. The top of the list includes the following:

From user experience, we gather that these are the primary causes. Regardless of your specific triggers, if this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action on a Windows 11 computer, there are a few steps to take to fix the problem.

Let us now discuss them.

How to fix this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action?

How to fix this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action?

1. Install the correct software

If you don’t have the correct software installed on your computer to open the file, you’ll need to install it.

While some files may be opened with multiple programs on your computer, you may need additional programs to open others.

For example, to open files with the .docx extension, you’ll need to have Microsoft Word or any other word-processing program installed to open it.

2. Set the file associations

If the file associations on your computer are not set up correctly, you can try resetting them using the steps above.

This should fix the this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action on Windows 11.

3. Use the Open with command

If the above steps don’t work, you can use theOpen withcommand to open the file.

By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to fixThis file does not have an app associated with it for performing this actionon Windows 11 computer.

If you’re still having trouble, you may need to seek additional help from a computer repair professional. Also, note that in some rare cases, this problem may result from malware, and performing a scan with a proper antivirus may come in handy.

let us know in the comments below what worked for you.

More about the topics:Windows 11 Software & Apps

Afam Onyimadu

Windows Software Expert

Afam is a geek and the go-to among his peers for computer solutions. He has a wealth of experience with Windows operating systems, dating back to his introduction to Windows 98. He is passionate about technology amongst many other fields. Aside from putting pen to paper, he is a passionate soccer lover, a dog breeder, and enjoys playing the guitar and piano.

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Afam Onyimadu

Windows Software Expert

Afam is a geek and the go-to among his peers for computer solutions. He has a wealth of experience with Windows operating systems.