Windows – Can’t make certain file associations

regeditsublime-text-3windows 10

I've been trying to associate .php files with Sublime Text 3 for the past few days, in Windows 10. I right click on the file, go to Properties, and under the General tab, I try to change the program which it opens with, which currently, is nothing. It doesn't change, and still shows, "Pick an app", next to, "Opens with:".

I tried to then associate it with Notepad too, in a similar manner, without any success. Suggestions from questions like this indicate some changes in the registry, which I have tried. I've rebooted my laptop after nearly every regedit, just in case. I've also checked if I could change or set file associations for other files, and I failed again, with .css. However, .mp4 and .bmp associations seem to be changeable, no issues (between VLC and Films & TV, and Photos and Photoshop, resp.).

Windows build is 1803. I only recently hard reset my laptop, so I'd like a solution which is a bit less drastic.

TIA

Best Answer

Have you tried the following?

  • In Windows Explorer, right-click on a .php file and select Open with (not Properties).
  • You should see a dialog, Windows can't open this type of file (.php).
  • Click Try an app on this PC.
  • Select the preferred application from the list, or browse to its location.
  • Click always use this app to open .php files to make the association permanent (at least until the next Windows update destroys file associations).
  • Click OK.

Set file association

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