Choose an app for each file type.
Pick a common format or enter your own extension. Use an app registered with Windows or select an executable directly.
File association protection for Windows
Keep files and links opening in the apps you chose.
OpenWithGuard watches the file and browser associations you protect. If another program changes one, it restores your choice.
Windows 10 and 11 · 64-bit · administrator approval required
What it does
Manage the apps Windows uses in one place.
Choose an app for a file type or web link, see which choices are protected, and change them whenever you need to.
Keep web links in your preferred browser.
Select a browser already registered on your PC and protect that choice.
Your rules stay on this PC.
Protection settings and recent activity are stored locally on the Windows device.
Repair file icons after another app changes them.
Optional strong protection watches for repeated icon-association changes.
Updates download in the background.
When an update is ready, a download icon appears beside the installed version. You choose when to install it.
Getting started
Create a rule in three steps.
Pick a file type
Choose a common extension such as PDF, PNG, or ZIP—or enter your own.
Select the Windows app
Pick from applications registered for that file type or choose an executable directly.
Save and stay in control
The choice takes effect immediately. Edit, pause, or remove the rule whenever you want.
Real app, real Windows data
These screenshots come from the installed app.
The English app is running on Windows 11 with protection enabled and the Windows application list loaded.
- Choose common or custom file types.
- Review the current Windows default before changing it.
- Inspect real app identity, publisher, and version metadata.
Privacy
Your rules and files stay on your PC.
OpenWithGuard measures anonymous installations and app visibility. It does not send file contents, protected filenames, rule targets, executable paths, or Google profile data to PostHog.
File rules, browser choices, preferences, and bounded opening activity.
Install and window-show events with random installation ID and basic build information.
Basic Google identity data is used by PocketBase for authentication—not product analytics.
Before you download
A few things worth knowing.
OpenWithGuard is an independent Windows utility and is not affiliated with Microsoft, Google, or the applications shown in its interface.
Does OpenWithGuard upload my files?
No. The product works with Windows registrations, file extensions, and local rules. File contents are not uploaded to provide protection.
Why does installation require administrator approval?
The per-machine installer places protection components where they are available consistently to Windows users and processes.
Can protection be paused?
Yes. Individual rules can be paused or deleted, and global protection can be turned off from the app.
Keep your defaults where you put them.
Download OpenWithGuard for 64-bit Windows.