When multiple versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, or any other Creative Cloud applications are installed on a computer, uninstalling the earlier versions after installing the new versions breaks file type associations for the new versions.
When you try to open a file, you observe one or more of the following issues:
- The file type opens with a different application. For example, an Illustrator (.ai) file opens with Adobe XD.
- The file type is not associated with the Creative Cloud app anymore. For example, a .PSD doesn't open with Photoshop.
- (Windows) Opening the file displays the message: Windows Cannot Open This File or the Open With dialog box.
This solution uses Photoshop as an example. Perform these steps for the Creative Cloud app and the file type association you are attempting to restore.
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In the file association dialog that appears, choose Photoshop from the list of apps or navigate to the Photoshop executable (.exe) for your version of Photoshop in the file explorer.
For example, the default installation path for Photoshop CC 2019:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CC 2019\Photoshop.exe
This solution explains associating .PSD and .JPG file types with Photoshop CC 2019 as an example. Perform these steps for the Creative Cloud app version and the file type association you are attempting to restore.
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Navigate to:
- (For .PSD) Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Explorer\FileExts\.psd\OpenWithList
- (For .JPG) Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Explorer\FileExts\.jpg\OpenWithList
If that exists, verify (Default) has the correct path verified in Step 1.
If path is not correct, double-click (Default). Type the following text in it:
"C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CC 2019\Photoshop.exe" "%1"
- (For .PSD) Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\