Open with - Microsoft WinRT Storage API

Anonymous
2022-09-25T14:21:57+00:00

Hi,

Since my PC updated to Win 11 22H2 Pro, right-clicking on a JPG, one of the options is "Microsoft WinRT Storage API", clicking on this just brings up the error message "Element not found". I can find no way of removing this "open-with" item.

Just to clarify, I have seen posts referring to this where it has taken over as the Default app, this isn't the case here, all the files open in the correct default programs as they should. The problem is removing Microsoft WinRT Storage API altogether from the open-with menu.

Finally, I had the same issue with a laptop - rolling back and new Windows install [21H2 Home] corrected the problem - suggesting it isn't system specific.

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2022-09-27T08:31:39+00:00

Mike,

I'm wondering if this has something to do with Paint3D. The shell seems to be enumerating the program's registry location, and Paint3D's Package ID is wrongly assigned; it's pointing to the regular Paint app.

Please try these two commands from Admin PowerShell window:

  • get-appxpackage *paint* -allusers | remove-appxpackage
  • get-appxpackage Microsoft.Windows.Photos -allusers | remove-appxpackage

Install Paint 3D from Microsoft Store.

(Don't install the Photos app yet.)

See if the erroneous Open With entry is gone. Let's know how it goes.

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

54 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-08T09:44:05+00:00

    I found a different solution (for Photos) that helped me. Go to "Settings> Apps> Microsoft Photos> Advanced options> Reset. This will delete the data related to MS Photos.

    Finally, choose Photos as default app either from Apps settings or Open With option of right click.

    I hope this helps.

    Was this answer helpful?

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. DaveM121 934.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-09-25T15:44:48+00:00

    Hi Mike-V8

    1

    Please do not delete G, that is the genuine link for the Photos App, did you restart your PC after making that change?

    2

    If you have already restarted you PC and that entry is still there:

    Open the Registry Editor again

    In the left pane, scroll to the very top and select Computer

    Click Edit - Find

    Search for this: Microsoft WinRT Storage API

    Please provide a screenshot of any entry found.

    .

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. DaveM121 934.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-09-25T15:27:00+00:00

    Hi Mike-V8

    Thank you for the screenshot, that is the entry B in that list, it is an old corrupt entry for the Photos App.

    Open the Registry Editor again, it will still be on the same page

    Right click B and choose Delete.

    Close the Registry Editor and restart (not shut down) your PC to apply that change, then check if that entry is then gone.

    .

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2022-09-25T15:22:11+00:00

    Hi Dave,

    Thanks for replying - here is the screenshot:

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments