can't open .exe files windows 10

1. It says open with...& gives me a list of useless programs on my computer and a place to click for other useless things that I don't know which of the listed programs would work.

it gives me the option to open files with other applicaions; i.e. word, note pad, IE,

I haven't installed office and haven't made any changes that I know of

Hi Derek,

Thank you for keeping us updated on this issue.

• Are you facing the same issue with a specified .exe file or all types of .exe files?
• Is this the same file you used to face issue with in Windows 8.1?

If you are facing the same issue with all files, please follow the steps below and check:

1. Press Windows key+ R to open Run command.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Search for Windows Installer and if it is stopped, right click on it and click on Start.

Please post us with the results and information to help you better.

Thank you. 

Still having the same issue. no change. all my .exe file are labeled "file" not application.

but my windows installer service was stopped and setup under manual,

I had the exact same problem : clicking any .exe file and nothing happening. I found a way out !

In my case it was caused by having previously changed the default Program File directory in the registry from C:\ to D:, because I prefer to have System on C and space consuming Data and Programs on D.

It seems that Windows 10 doesn't like it at all (it causes updates to end bad too).

To reverse it back :

• Since you can't even launch Regedit because it is a .exe, first restart Windows 10 in safe mode : Shift + click on Start/Stop -> Restart -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup Settings -> Restart -> Choose 5 at restart
• Once in safe mode, search "regedit" in start bar and launch it with administrative access
• Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows -> select CurrentVersion, then click on "ProgramFilesDir" and change it back to "C:\Program Files".
• Also click on "ProgramFilesDir (x86)" and change it back to "C:\Program Files (x86)".
• Then quit Regedit and restart.

Once doing this, I was able again to launch any .exe file in normal mode.

Hope it helped !

Hi there I have a similar problem however when I use the cmd function the computer won't allow me to open cd\windows or services.msc - getting a 'These files can't be opened' message.

Just upgraded from Windows 7 three days ago and now laptop seems to be completely bricked!

Any suggestions?