OpenWithView vs. Default Windows Tools: When to Use It

OpenWithView: Quick Guide to Viewing File Associations on WindowsOpenWithView is a small, portable utility for Windows that helps you inspect and manage the “Open with” context-menu entries and file-association handlers. It’s especially useful when you need to troubleshoot incorrect programs appearing in the “Open with” list, remove broken entries left behind by uninstalled applications, or simply audit which applications are registered to open specific file types. This guide explains what OpenWithView does, when to use it, how to use it step‑by‑step, and best practices for safely editing associations.

What OpenWithView shows

OpenWithView scans the Windows Registry and the filesystem to collect entries that appear in the right‑click “Open with” menu and similar association handlers. For each entry it typically displays:

• Program name
• Executable path
• File types or extensions associated
• Registry key location
• Product version (when available)
• Status flags (e.g., missing executable, invalid path)

OpenWithView is read-only by default — it reports what Windows currently has registered; depending on actions you take, you can also delete or disable entries.

When to use OpenWithView

Use OpenWithView if you need to:

• Remove stale or broken “Open with” entries after uninstalling software.
• Diagnose why a particular file type opens with an unexpected program.
• Audit which programs are associated with certain extensions.
• Export a list of registered “Open with” handlers for documentation or troubleshooting.
• Fix entries that point to moved or deleted executables.

Downloading and installing

OpenWithView is provided as a portable executable, so it doesn’t require a formal installation. Steps:

1. Download OpenWithView from a trusted software repository (ensure the source is reputable).
2. Unblock the downloaded EXE if Windows SmartScreen or an antivirus flags it — but only if you trust the source.
3. Run the EXE as an administrator to allow it to read all registry entries (recommended for a complete scan).

Because it’s portable, you can keep OpenWithView on a USB drive and run it on multiple machines without installation.

Step‑by‑step: Basic usage

1. Run OpenWithView (right‑click → Run as administrator for full access).
2. Wait while it scans the registry and populates the list of “Open with” entries.
3. Browse the list; use column headers to sort by Program name, Path, or Status.
4. Select an entry to view details in the lower pane (if available) or view the registry key location.
5. To remove an unwanted entry: select it, then use the Delete action (confirm the prompt).
6. To export the list: use the Export option to save a CSV or tab‑delimited file for later review.

Advanced actions and safety

• Deleting entries: Removing a registry entry via OpenWithView is permanent. Export the list or create a system restore point before making changes.
• Disabling vs deleting: Some entries may be disabled by renaming or moving the executable instead of deleting the registry key. OpenWithView itself primarily deletes entries; use caution.
• Repairs: If an entry points to a moved executable, you can either update the registry manually (advanced) or reinstall the application so Windows re-registers the correct handler.
• Using in troubleshooting: Combine OpenWithView with Windows’ Default Apps settings and the “ftype/assoc” command-line tools to comprehensively fix association issues.

Example scenarios

• After uninstalling a media player, its name still appears in the “Open with” menu. OpenWithView reveals that the registry key still points to the now-missing executable. Deleting that entry removes the orphaned item.
• A file type opens with an older version of an application. OpenWithView shows multiple handlers registered for the same extension; you can remove the outdated one to promote the correct choice in Windows’ UI.
• Multiple entries with identical names but different paths appear. Use the Path column to identify and remove the unwanted duplicate.

Limitations and alternatives

Limitations:

• OpenWithView focuses on “Open with” context-menu entries and does not comprehensively manage all file association mechanics (e.g., system default app settings, filetype/ftype mappings).
• It operates at the registry level; incorrect edits can break associations or cause system issues if used carelessly.

Alternatives:

• Windows Settings → Apps → Default apps (for setting system default handlers).
• Default Programs Editor (third‑party) — offers a more user‑friendly interface for some association tasks.
• Command line: assoc and ftype for advanced administrators.

Best practices

• Back up the registry or create a System Restore point before deleting entries.
• Export OpenWithView’s list before making changes so you can restore details if needed.
• Prefer reinstalling the application to re‑register handlers when possible.
• Run OpenWithView as Administrator for a complete view.
• Use it as part of a broader troubleshooting workflow — check Windows’ Default apps and ftype/assoc settings too.

Quick reference — common tasks

• Remove a broken “Open with” entry: Run OpenWithView as Admin → find entry → Delete → restart Explorer if needed.
• Export current handlers: File → Save Selected Items (CSV).
• Identify missing executables: Sort by Status and look for “Missing file” or similar flags.

OpenWithView is a lightweight, effective tool for inspecting and cleaning up “Open with” entries on Windows. When used carefully—backing up before changes—it’s a fast way to tidy association clutter and fix common post‑uninstall or duplicate‑handler problems.