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Windows 10 sometimes shows a notification saying, “You have new apps that can open this type of file.” This message can be confusing and interrupt your workflow. It usually appears when Windows detects new apps installed that can open certain file types.

This guide will help you understand why this message appears and how to stop it from bothering you. The steps are simple and designed for users of all levels.

By following these instructions, you can control which apps open your files and prevent the notification from showing up repeatedly.

Let’s start with some quick notes before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note

• Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix bugs related to notifications.
• Check if any new apps were recently installed that might handle file types differently.
• Have basic administrative rights on your computer, as some fixes may require changes to system settings.
• Be patient with the process; some changes require a restart to take full effect.

Step 1: Reset Default Apps for File Types

Windows notifies you when new apps can open certain files because it wants you to choose a default app. Resetting the default apps can stop this message.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Apps and then click Default apps on the left menu.
3. Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
4. Find the file extension (like .pdf, .jpg) in the list and set the app you want to open it by default.
5. If unsure, select a well-known app for that file type or the Microsoft recommended app.

This step is important because Windows will stop prompting you once you’ve set clear preferences.

Step 2: Turn Off “Suggest Apps” Feature in Settings

Windows 10 has a feature that suggests apps which it thinks can open files you have. Disabling this feature can prevent the notification.

1. Open Settings again.
2. Click on System.
3. Select Notifications & actions from the left panel.
4. Scroll down to the section called Notifications.
5. Look for Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device to get the most out of Windows and turn it off.
6. Also, turn off Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.

These settings control notifications and suggestions, so turning them off reduces unnecessary pop-ups.

Step 3: Clear the App Associations Cache

Sometimes, Windows stores outdated information about apps and file associations. Clearing this cache can help.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %LocalAppData%MicrosoftWindowsExplorer and press Enter.
3. Look for files that start with iconcache and thumbcache.
4. Delete all these files. Don’t worry; Windows will recreate them automatically.
5. Restart your computer to apply changes.

This step is useful if the problem comes from corrupted or outdated cache files.

Step 4: Use the Registry Editor to Disable the Notification (Advanced)

If the above steps do not work, you can disable the notification through the Windows Registry. This method should be done carefully.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following key:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionContentDeliveryManager
3. Look for a DWORD value named SubscribedContent-338388Enabled.
4. If it exists, double-click it and change the value data to 0.
5. If it doesn’t exist, right-click on an empty area, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it SubscribedContent-338388Enabled, and set its value to 0.
6. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This disables the feature that shows the notification about new apps for file types.

Alternative Method: Use Group Policy Editor (For Windows 10 Pro and Above)

If you’re running Windows 10 Pro, you can use Group Policy Editor to disable these notifications.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
3. Find the policy named Turn off toast notifications on the lock screen.
4. Double-click it and set it to Enabled.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
6. Restart your PC.

This method controls how notifications behave on your system and can help reduce these prompts.

FAQs

Why do I keep seeing the “You have new apps that can open this type of file” message?

This notification appears when Windows detects newly installed apps that can open certain file types but has not set them as default. It’s a prompt for you to choose your preferred app.

Can I completely disable all file association notifications?

Yes, by following the registry or Group Policy steps, you can reduce or disable these notifications, but keep in mind it may hide useful prompts about new apps.

Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry?

Editing the registry is safe if you follow instructions carefully. Always back up your registry before making changes to avoid problems.

Will these steps work on Windows 11?

Most steps are similar for Windows 11, but some settings locations might differ slightly.

Why should I choose a default app for file types?

Setting a default app ensures files open the way you expect without additional prompts or confusion.

When Nothing Works

If you still experience the notification after trying all these steps, consider the following:

• Run the Windows Troubleshooter for apps and notifications. Access it via Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Create a new user account to check if the issue is profile-specific.
• Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Microsoft Support website for more help.
• Consider resetting Windows settings to default as a last resort.

Conclusion

The “You have new apps that can open this type of file” message is Windows 10’s way of helping you manage file associations and app choices. By resetting default apps, disabling suggestions in settings, clearing caches, or adjusting system policies, you can control or eliminate this notification.

Start with the simple steps and move to advanced options only if necessary. This approach ensures your system remains stable and your experience smooth.

With these tips, you should be able to manage file opening notifications easily and enjoy a distraction-free Windows environment.