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Easily hide unwanted applications from the Open with menu for a cleaner, streamlined file workflow

Easily hide unwanted applications from the Open with menu for a cleaner, streamlined file workflow

Vote (2 votes)

Program license Free

Developer NirSoft

Version 1.11

Works under Windows

Vote

(2 votes)

Developer

NirSoft

Works under

Windows

Program license

Free

Version

1.11

Pros

  • No installation required; portable utility
  • Very easy to use and understand
  • Instantly hides or unhides applications from the "Open with" menu
  • Lightweight and fast performance
  • Freeware with no adware or bundled offers

Cons

  • Cannot add new programs to the "Open with" list
  • No option to reorder applications or customize for individual file types
  • Basic interface lacks advanced features

Easily manage the "Open with" menu entries on your Windows system.

Lightweight Utility for Managing 'Open with' Menu

OpenWithView is a specialized tool designed for Windows users looking to take control over the "Open with" context menu. This utility addresses a common issue where the right-click menu becomes crowded with rarely used or unwanted applications, making it cumbersome to select the preferred software for opening files.

Straightforward Setup and Operation

One of OpenWithView’s strengths is its portability. There is no installation required; simply extract the executable from the downloaded archive and run it. The program presents a simple interface displaying a list of all registered applications currently appearing in the "Open with" menu for various file types.

Quick Customization of Menu Entries

The main feature allows users to enable or disable specific programs from this list. By clearing or marking the checkboxes next to application names, OpenWithView immediately updates which apps appear when right-clicking files and selecting "Open with." These changes apply system-wide and take effect instantly, promoting a less cluttered workspace.

Practical Use Cases

Users frequently working with multiple file types and testing different software will appreciate the ability to quickly prune long lists of programs. For shared workstations or multi-user environments, OpenWithView also helps streamline user experience by removing programs that are no longer needed or rarely used.

Limitations and Considerations

OpenWithView focuses solely on disabling or enabling existing entries in the "Open with" menu. Currently, it does not support adding new programs to the list, nor can users reorder menu items. Furthermore, customization is applied system-wide and not on a file extension basis, so more granular controls remain unavailable. Despite these restrictions, the tool effectively performs its primary function without unnecessary complexity.

Performance and Compatibility

OpenWithView is compact and operates with minimal impact on system resources. It is compatible with modern Windows versions, and recent updates have resolved icon display issues on Windows 7 64-bit systems, ensuring better usability across platforms.

Pros

  • No installation required; portable utility
  • Very easy to use and understand
  • Instantly hides or unhides applications from the "Open with" menu
  • Lightweight and fast performance
  • Freeware with no adware or bundled offers

Cons

  • Cannot add new programs to the "Open with" list
  • No option to reorder applications or customize for individual file types
  • Basic interface lacks advanced features