Win-E and opening folders on desktop launches Windows File Explorer instead of Files

[JollyRoger8X]

Description

After disabling Files > Settings > Advanced > Set as the default file manager, uninstalling Files, reinstalling Files, and setting Files as default file manager again, typing Win-E or opening folders on the desktop launches Windows File Explorer instead of Files.

Likewise, Files > Settings > About > Open log location also opens Windows File Explorer.

Note: I notice that the registry entries mentioned in %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\FilesPreview_1y0xx7n9077q4\LocalState\FilesOpenDialog\SetFilesAsDefault.reg seem to be different than specified:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\open\command
Default: "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Files\Files.App.Launcher.exe" "%1"
DelegateExecute: {11dbb47c-a525-400b-9e80-a54615a090c0}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\explore\command
Default: not set
DelegateExecute: {11dbb47c-a525-400b-9e80-a54615a090c0}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}
Entry doesn't seem to exist

Please recommend a work-around fix until this issue is duplicated/resolved.

Steps To Reproduce

1. Disable Files > Settings > Advanced > Set as the default file manager.
2. Uninstall Files (through Add or remove programs facility).
3. Reinstall Files.
4. Enable Files > Settings > Advanced > Set as the default file manager.

Requirements

Performing these steps should set Files as the default file manager including for desktop operations and Win-E.

Files Version

3.6.17.0

Windows Version

10.0.19045.4651

Log File

debug.log

[Josh65-2201]

Thanks for the report, Can you try turning the option off and on again?

[JollyRoger8X]

Thanks for the report, Can you try turning the option off and on again?

Yes, I have done that several times.

[Josh65-2201]

• Do you have UAC (User Account Control) on, if so do you see a admin prompt?
• Does the toggle stay it on when you click it?
• Can you make sure any antivirus programs you have aren't blocking it.

[JollyRoger8X]

• UAC is set to "Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer", and I do NOT see an admin prompt when enabling this setting (although I HAVE been prompted in the past when changing this setting).
• The toggle DOES stay on when I click it and remains on after restarting Files.
• We use CrowdStrike. How would I know if it was being blocked?

Question:

Can you please take a look at the registry entries in my initial bug description and tell me if it is safe for me to manually change them as described in SetFilesAsDefault.reg without causing problems on my system?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\open\command

1. (Default) is set to: "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Files\Files.App.Launcher.exe" "%1"
2. DelegateExecute should be empty, but it is not.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\explore\command

1. (Default) is empty. What should it be set to?
2. DelegateExecute should be empty, but it is not.

I don't seem to have a registry entry for:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\opennewwindow\command

Is the number in brackets different on each system perhaps? Or do I need to create it?

[Josh65-2201]

While you can try set the values that are shown in the file, I have no way of telling you if it will work or not as you are the first one to have this issue. You can change them back if not.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\explore\command

Default should be set to "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Files\Files.App.Launcher.exe" "%1"
You can also change DelegateExecute to be empty

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\opennewwindow\command

This key should be created as it for the Win+E shortcut to work, the CLSID should be the same as the file

[Josh65-2201]

As for checking if CrowdStrike is blocking the change which it probably is, you would have to check the admin console or log files. I have not used it so I don't know where it would be or look like.

[kryzet]

I imagine that CrowdStrike is blocking the change because most Windows users stick with File Explorer, as there are not many alternatives and I actually discovered this project in a completely roundabout way. That's why I would recommend that you talk to your IT admin to allow this specific change if possible.

[pavangayakwad]

I just installed Files from Microsoft stores and when I tried to switch on the default setting mode it just rolls back after I approve on UAC. Here is the recording, UAC screen won't appear in my screen capture software, but hope you get to know the issue.

Note I am not the administrator user on my computer instead I am the power user. https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/ba25a64b-31bd-42ab-8886-b5f3d568095d