File Extension Type - Unassociate

How to Unassociate File Extension Types in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8​

   Information

This tutorial will show you how to unassociate a file extension to no longer have a default program to open it with afterwards in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to unassociate file types.

   Note

These are free standalone EXE program that run without installing anything on your computer.

CONTENTS:

• Option One: Unassociate File Type using "FileTypesMan" Program
• Option Two: Unassociate File Type using "Unassociate File Types" Program
• Option Three: Unassociate File Type using "Unassociate" BAT file

OPTION ONE

Unassociate File Type using "FileTypesMan" Program

NOTE: This program supports running in XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.
1. Download the ZIP file for the same 32-bit or 64-bit FileTypesMan at the bottom of the site below as your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.
FileTypesMan - Alternative to 'File Types' manager of Windows
2. Open the downloaded filetypesman.zip or filetypesman-x64.zip, and extract (drag and drop) all files to the desktop.

3. Run the extracted FileTypesMan.exe file.

4. If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

5. In the top pane, select one or more "extensions" (ex: .txt) that you wish to unassociate. (see screenshot below)

   Note

To select random multiple file extensions:
Press and hold the Ctrl key while clicking on extensions to select them, then release the Ctrl key when finished.

To Select everything inbetween two selected file extensions including the selected file extension:
Select an extension, press and hold the Shift key, click on another extension to select them and everything inbetween them, then release the Shift key.

6. When finished with step 5, click/tap on Edit (menu bar) and Delete Selected Extensions. (see screenshot below)

7. Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)

8. When finished, you can close FileTypesMan if you like.

OPTION TWO

Unassociate File Type using "Unassociate File Types" Program

NOTE: This program only supports running in Windows 7 and Vista. Windows 8 is not supported.
1. Download the ZIP file for the free Unassociate File Types program under Attachements towards the bottom of the site at the link, and save it to your desktop.

2. Open the downloaded unassoc.zip, and extract (drag and drop) all files to the desktop. (see screenshot below)

3. Run the extracted Unassoc.exe file.

4. If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes (Windows 7) or Continue (Vista).

5. To Unassociate a File Extension Type
A) Click/tap on a file extension type from the list in the left pane to select it. (see screenshot below step 7)

B) Click/tap on Remove file association (User). (see screenshot below step 7)
6. To Delete a File Extension Type
A) Click/tap on a file extension type from the list in the left pane to select it. (see screenshot below step 7)

B) Click/tap on Delete file type. (see screenshot below step 7)
7. When finished, close the program.

OPTION THREE

Unassociate File Type using "Unassociate" BAT file

   Note

Thank you to our member Pyprohly for creating the Unassociate.bat file in this option.

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the Unassociate.bat v2.2.1 file.

Download


2. Save the .bat file to your desktop, and unblock it.

3. Do step 4 or step 5 below for how you want to unassociate a file type with the Unassociate.bat file.

4. Drag and drop the file you want to unassociate on to the Unassociate.bat file, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

5. Right click on the Unassociate.bat file, and click on Run as administrator.

6. Enter the file extension that you want to unassociate, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

7. Type Y to confirm. (see screenshot below)

8. The entered file extension is now unassociated for all users. (see screenshot below)

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• Restore Default Windows 7 File Extension Type Associations
• How to Restore Default File Extension Type Associations in Windows 8
• How to Associate a File Type or Protocol Default Program in Window 7
• How to Associate a File Type or Protocol with a Program in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Set Default Associations for a Program in Windows 7
• How to Change Default Program of a File using "Open with" in Windows 8
• How to Disable "You have new apps that can open this type of file" Notification in Windows 8
• How to Hide or Show Known File Type Extensions in Windows 7
• How to Change the Default Program a File Type Opens With in Windows 7
• How to Change the Default Icon of a File Extension in Windows 7
• How to Create a Default Programs Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Create a "Set Program Access and Computer Defaults" Shortcut
• How to Enable or Disable the "Set Program Access and Computer Defaults" Page
• How to Add "Show/Hide Known File Extensions" to Context Menu in Vista and Windows 7

 

[TONPumper]

I can't seem to unassociate .BAK files. Do I use the delete feature?

 

[Brink]

Hello TONPumper,

You could download and merge the bak option in the tutorial below that will unassociate for you automatically if you like.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[ghost003]

Thanks man

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Ghost.

 

[ghost003]

You're most welcome Ghost.

man i have files which has extension ".sis.dm" i'm not able to find this extension in the app list

anyway to do it ?? :sarc:

 

[Brink]

Do you have a .dm file extension listed instead? That would be the actual file extension instead of .sis.dm. Only the letters after the the last dot is the file extension.

 

[ghost003]

Do you have a .dm file extension listed instead? That would be the actual file extension instead of .sis.dm. Only the letters after the the last dot is the file extension.

uh i got it
there is a .dm extension listed, but when i selected the remove file associations (user) button is inactive :S

 

[Brink]

I attached a REG file below that will remove the .dm file extension from the usual locations in the registry that should also unassociate it. After merging the REG file, restart the computer to fully apply.

 

[ghost003]

done )
Thanks Brink

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Ghost.

 

[bubbajaybo1]

Unassociate a file type in Windows 7

I found the easiest way to unassociate a file type is to perform these steps:
1. Click start then all programs then accessories.
2. Right click command prompt and select run as administrator. If prompted for username/password, enter it.
3. In the command prompt type the following command:
assoc .pml= none
Note: .pml is the file you are trying to unassociate.
4. Press enter.
Voila, hope it helps!!

 

[Georgey]

I need to unassociate .crc files; tried both methods suggested above in vain.
The Unassoc.exe ran and said the file type is unassociated now, but it stayed associated.
Nor did the command prompt do the trick.
What could the cause be and more importantly, how to solve this?
Thanks a lot.

 

[Brink]

Hello Georgey,

Did you also try deleting the file extension using the program in the tutorial? That will also unassociate it.

Hope this helps for now,
Shawn

 

[Georgey]

Thanks Shawn,
I didn't find that program, please give me directions.
Georgey

 

[Brink]

It's the same Unassoc.exe program at the link in step 1 of the tutorial on the first page.

 

[Georgey]

Oh thanks I found and tried that before asking for help.
As I mentioned in my first post, it ran, said the file type was unassociated, but in fact it is still associated.
Anything else that might solve this problem?

 

[mariehelene]

Dont Work in indos seven ultimate.

Hi
This tool is exactly what I was looking for, but refuse to work on Wndow Seven ultimate French, SP" (clean install)

The error message is that
"This program run in Windows 7 & Windows Vista Only"... and I am in Windows Seven

Is that a way I can force it to do.

Thank you
Marie

 

[mariehelene]

I just see how to proceed with the command ligne, as suggeste by Georgy, thank you...

But if ever it is a way to use the Unass.exe, that would be fantastic.

Thank you.

 

[Brink]

Hello Marie,

It may have been an issue with your Windows not in English for the program.

I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted using the command line though.