Why do I get an 'Open with' window when opening a file?

Updated: 01/24/2018 by Computer Hope

When opening a file that Windows does not recognize an 'Open with' window is shown, similar to the one shown in the picture below. If you believe you have a program capable of handling this file, locate the program, highlight it, and click OK. If you do not see the program listed, click the Other button and browse to the location of the program used to open this file.

Windows Open With window

If you always want to open this type of file with this program, select "Always use this program to open this type of file."

Changing the Open with program

To change the program Windows uses to open a program, right-click the file and select the Open with option. If the Open with option is not visible, hold down the Shift key and right-click the file again.