Windows Unplugged

Summary:  How to access the Default Programs User Interface options previously available prior to the release of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Version 1709

Comments:

1. Windows 10 1709 Fall Creators Update deprecated the old style previous version ‘Default Programs’ User Interface in favor of a streamlined and condensed option.  Windows 10 1709 Default Program available configuration options are now accessed via Windows 10 Settings/Apps/Default Apps
2. The old style pre-1709 User Interface(UI) is still accessible but with reduced functionality than previously available.
3. The most significant change is the inability to use the old style Default Programs UI to select a program and modify its related default file type extensions and protocols.
4. Accessing the old style UI can still be helpful by providing a familiar user interface for viewing an individual program’s quantity(number) of supported defaults and the respective supported defaults by file type extension and/or protocol
5. The How-To section below provides the command line code for use in creating shortcuts. The same command line code can be entered in the Run command option accessible in the Windows 10 Start Menu

• How To:
  • Default Programs – Program selection option to view defaults by quantity and file type extension and/or protocol  (command line code shown immediately below)
    • • C:\Windows\System32\control.exe /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms /page pageDefaultProgram
  • Default Programs – Set or Modify Default Program
    • • C:\Windows\System32\ComputerDefaults.exe
  • Default Programs – File Type
    • • C:\Windows\System32\control.exe /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms /page pageFileAssoc

• Revisions:

November 1, 2017: Initial Draft Date

November 2, 2017: Initial Publish Date

November 14, 2017: Revised ‘Comments section – numbered items; added comment #4