Microsoft confirms File Association bug in Windows 10

[Arthur]

Source: Windows Latest

 

Microsoft’s latest cumulative update for Windows 10 has a bug that would break the file association feature in the operating system. The File Association bug prevents certain software from handling specific formats by default. For example, Microsoft Notepad or other Win32 programs such as Notepad++ cannot be set as the default.

 

This annoying bug was reported by several users and earlier today Microsoft updated the support document to highlight the known issue. It’s important to note that the bug was not acknowledged last month.

 

What’s File Association bug?

The File Association bug in Windows 10 could break the way you open the apps. This will block apps like Notepad++ from being configured as the default programs for text files.

 

“Running W10 1803 on 2 different PCs that have both developed the same problem – the “open with” menu that lets you change file associations doesn’t do anything anymore,” a user posted on Reddit. “For example I want .mp4 files to open with VLC instead of the default “Films & TV” app, so I right click on an mp4->Properties->opens with->change, and select VLC from the list. But when I click ‘OK’, nothing happens. The file is still set to open with Films & TV,” the user explains.

 

Microsoft acknowledges the bug

In the updated support document, Microsoft confirmed that Windows 10 KB4462919 (Build 17134.345) could break down file associations and you won’t be able to set some apps such as Microsoft’s Notepad as the default program for the files.

 

“After installing this update, some users cannot set Win32 program defaults for certain app and file type combinations using the Open with… command or Settings > Apps > Default apps,” Microsoft explains. “In some cases, Microsoft Notepad or other Win32 programs cannot be set as the default”.

 

Microsoft is working on a solution and the bug will be addressed with Windows 10's November 2018 cumulative update which is scheduled to arrive next Tuesday.

 

[psydii]

It’s been breaking MS Office xml associations for months. And what format do reports in SIMS use? FUN TIMES.

[free780]

Stay clear of 1803. The gift that keeps on giving. 1709 seems the most stable at the moment.

[psydii]

I kind of miss the days where you could pick and choose the hotfixes you needed, and give Microsoft the time to properly QA the roll ups/service packs/updates.

[3s-gtech]

Sweet, sweet 1703. What we lack in features, we gain in reduced "unexpected features".

[mikeprice]

Sweet, sweet 1703. What we lack in features, we gain in reduced "unexpected features".

 

When I used to write software we used to refer to them as 'undocumented features'

 

however to be fair if my boss wrote it then most things were undocumented - he was great writing stuff and at training people (or getting me to train them) but the actual documentation was never his strong point

Best programmer I have ever worked with actually - sad 'cos he died of cancer in his late 40s

 

anyway - back to the point

[3s-gtech]

Ironic really - cancer could be described like that - an 'undocumented feature'. Shame that MS's current crop of engineers aren't perhaps displaying the level of quality you saw then - I doubt documentation is their priority either.

[Duke5A]

Ironic really - cancer could be described like that - an 'undocumented feature'. Shame that MS's current crop of engineers aren't perhaps displaying the level of quality you saw then - I doubt documentation is their priority either.

 

I honestly don't think this one is on the engineers. MS has jumped onto a development cycle that is just plain nuts and leaves no time for quality control - even Server 2019 skipped RTM. Makes me wonder why they felt the need to do this. I understand the whole 'keeping up with the Jones's' line of thinking, but who are they trying to keep up with?

 

Oh, for what its worth, I see this bug on 1607 as well.