Disable Windows’ “Use the Web Service” Prompt on Unknown Files

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When you try to open an unknown file type in windows, you’ll be prompted to Use the Web Service to find the correct program or Select a program from a list of installed programs. This can become annoying if you never use it; in this guide you will learn how to disable this feature.

Implementing the Registry Hack

We will create and use a registry hack to force Windows to skip this dialog altogether, and give you a list of applications to use to open the file instead - just as if you had selected the second option.

When you double click on an unknown file, you will instead see the following style of screen.

You may either create a registry hack, or download a copy I made for you.

Download the Registry Hack

Downloadable Registry Hack for Vista or XP

To apply the registry hack, just double-click on the DisableInternetOpenWith.reg file and enter the information into the registry.

Create the Registry Hack

1. Press the windows key and R
2. Type in regedit

3. Now you will see the registry editor.

4. Go to the following entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

5. Create a new 32-bit DWORD value on the right-hand side with the following values:
• Name: NoInternetOpenWith
• Value: 1

6. Close the registry editor and the changes will be in effect.

NOTE: To reset back to default, set the value to 0 or delete the key.

What Next?

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