Version 2.0 is in development and will add many new features. check the status page here.

What is SetUserFTA?

SetUserFTA, or Set User File Type Association, is a powerful command-line tool designed to manage file type associations in Windows operating systems. Developed by Christoph Kolbicz, this tool provides users with a straightforward way to customize default programs for specific file types, giving them greater control over how files are opened and handled.

File type associations dictate which program is launched when a particular file type is double-clicked or opened from within another application. For example, a .txt file might be associated with Notepad by default, while a .jpg file might open in the Windows Photos app.

SetUserFTA allows users to modify these associations on a per-user basis, meaning changes made with the tool only affect the currently logged-in user, rather than system-wide. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple users share a single computer but have different preferences for handling file types.

The tool is typically used via the command line, with various options and parameters available to specify the desired changes. Users can associate specific file extensions with particular programs or revert to the system defaults if needed.

Here are some common use cases for SetUserFTA:

1. Customization of File Associations (default programs): SetUserFTA allows users to customize which programs are associated with specific file types. This means users can choose which application opens when they double-click on a file with a particular extension. For example, setting .pdf files to open with Adobe Acrobat Reader instead of the default Windows PDF viewer.
2. Change Default Browser: In addition to managing file associations, SetUserFTA now includes the ability to change the default web browser for the current user. Users can specify their preferred browser for handling web links and HTML files.
3. Reset Associations: Users can delete custom file associations and revert to the system default settings using SetUserFTA. This feature is particularly useful for correcting corrupted or unwanted associations, effectively restoring the default behavior for file types.
4. Deploying standardized configurations: IT administrators can utilize SetUserFTA to enforce standardized file type associations across multiple user accounts or computers within an organization. This ensures consistency and streamlines workflows by ensuring that certain file types always open with the appropriate programs.
5. Troubleshooting: When encountering issues with file type associations, such as files opening in unintended applications or failing to open altogether, SetUserFTA can be used to diagnose and rectify the problem by resetting associations to a known state.
6. Per-User Basis: File association changes made with SetUserFTA apply on a per-user basis, meaning they only affect the currently logged-in user’s profile. This is particularly useful in environments with multiple users sharing the same computer but with different preferences for file handling.
7. Command-Line Interface: SetUserFTA operates primarily through a command-line interface, allowing users to execute commands to modify file associations. This provides flexibility and automation capabilities for power users and system administrators.
8. Support for Various File Types: SetUserFTA supports a wide range of file types and extensions, allowing users to manage associations for documents, images, audio files, videos, and more.
9. Integration with Scripting: SetUserFTA can be integrated into scripts or batch files, enabling automated deployment of file association configurations across multiple systems or user accounts.
10. Export and Import Associations: SetUserFTA enables users to export and import file association settings. This feature facilitates transferring association preferences between different user profiles, computers, or even Active Directory domains, enhancing flexibility and ease of management.
11. Compatibility Across Different Active Directory Domains or Computers: SetUserFTA’s export and import functionality extends across various Active Directory domains or computers, allowing seamless migration and consistency of file association settings across disparate environments.
12. Compatibility: SetUserFTA is designed to be compatible with various versions of the Windows operating system, including Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows 11. It also works on Server Operating Systems like 2012, 2016, 2019 and 2022.

In conclusion, SetUserFTA is a valuable tool for customizing and managing file type associations in Windows environments. Whether used for individual preference customization or large-scale deployment in organizational settings, it offers users greater flexibility and control over how files are handled within the operating system.