PC freezes after "Select an app to open this [file extension] file".

Since updating Windows 11 version 24H2, my PC totally freezes if I select an app to open a specific file type from the popup which appears. The same thing happens when making a selection from within the Settings app.

If I restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager (only accessible using Ctrl+Alt+Del), everything returns to normal, and the correct app has been selected.

I've tried uninstalling the update to 24H2, but the issue is persisting. I've also used both SFC /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth, but neither of them indicate anything wrong…

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem is, and how to resolve it?

Ian1947 said:

Since updating Windows 11 version 24H2, my PC totally freezes if I select an app to open a specific file type from the popup which appears. The same thing happens when making a selection from within the Settings app.

If I restart Windows Explorer using Task Manager (only accessible using Ctrl+Alt+Del), everything returns to normal, and the correct app has been selected.

I've tried uninstalling the update to 24H2, but the issue is persisting. I've also used both SFC /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth, but neither of them indicate anything wrong…

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem is, and how to resolve it?

Click to expand...

Create another user and log in as the new user, see what behavior you get.
If no problem, you have a corrupted user hive for the current user.

I created another user, and the issue is no longer present.

The next question is, therefore, would it be possible to repair the hive to get rid of this issue, or will I have to replicate all my original settings for this new user?

OAT said:

Create another user and log in as the new user, see what behavior you get.
If no problem, you have a corrupted user hive for the current user.

Click to expand...

Ian1947 said:

The next question is, therefore, would it be possible to repair the hive to get rid of this issue, or will I have to replicate all my original settings for this new user?

Click to expand...

I never attempted to repair a corrupted user hive as I relied on backups.
@FreeBooter, do you have anything?

We have no idea what is corrupted with your user profile, you can use repair install to see if it works also try clean boot.

You can also perform in-place upgrade of Windows 11. In-place upgrade is to use to replace the current operating system files on your computer. Unlike a clean installation of Windows, you can start a Windows in-place upgrade when your OS is still running. And an in-place upgrade can keep your files, settings, & apps during the upgrade process. You can perform a Windows 11 in-place upgrade is to use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool. Make sure to select Upgrade this PC now and click Next. Follow the on-screen guide to perform a Windows 11 in-place upgrade.

OAT said:

I never attempted to repair a corrupted user hive as I relied on backups.
@FreeBooter, do you have anything?

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I only have backups of all my user data and app settings, so I'll try the suggestions made by @FreeBooter, and will let you know the results, probably tomorrow...

@OAT and @FreeBooter. Thank you for your advice…

A repair didn't solve the problem, however an in-place upgrade has resolved it.

Cool, glad to know your problem resolved!