Considerations
On Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, Microsoft changed how default apps are assigned when multiple apps are compatible with a file type. After installing FME, some file types may not automatically open with an FME application. This affects file types that more than one FME application can open. For example, data formats such as .ffs, .dwg, and .gml, which both FME Workbench and FME Data Inspector can handle.
Why This Happens
Microsoft no longer allows installers to set a default application for a file type on the user's behalf on Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025.
FME file types are still registered during installation, but only file types handled by a single FME application are set as the default automatically (for example, .fmwt opens in FME Workbench). File types that multiple FME applications can open, such as most data formats, are not automatically set and must be configured by the user.
How to Resolve It
Setting the default takes a few seconds and only needs to be done once per file type.
Option 1: First Time Opening a File Type
- Double-click a file of the type you want to set as the default.
- A dialog will appear, letting you select an app to open it.
- Select the app of your choice, then click Always to save the preference.
Option 2: Changing the Default for a File Type That Already Has a Preference
- Right-click a file of the type you want to change.
- Click Open with, then click Choose another app.
- Select the app you want to open it with. (As shown in Option 1)
- Optionally, click Always to make it the default.
Option 3: Using Windows Settings
You can also set the default app for a file type in Settings > Apps > Default apps. Enter the file extension and select a default app.