Unable to run EXE. files in Windows 10 (home)

Question

Unable to run EXE. files in Windows 10 (home)

Derek Blezard 0

When I download an exe. file - even from the windows store it will not run

It seems Win 10 (home) requires something called gpedit.msc which id does not have

there is an instruction asking for two commands to be run in Powershell which will correct the problem but when I run them i get the following

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Help needed - in simple terms please

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3 answers

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Answer 1

Abhishek U 170

Hello @Derek Blezard

You have tried running the commands to add the Group Policy packages, but they failed because you used PowerShell. The syntax with "FOR %F IN (...) DO" is meant for the Command Prompt (CMD), not PowerShell. That’s why I got the parser error.

To fix this, I need to:

Open CMD as Administrator (Start → type "cmd" → right‑click → Run as administrator).

Paste the commands there instead of PowerShell.

Let DISM process the packages.

This should work without the error I saw in PowerShell.

Also could you Open Settings → Apps → Default apps → Choose default apps by file type. Scroll to .exe and make sure it’s set to Application. If it’s missing, that’s the problem.

Best regards

Abhishek.

Derek Blezard 0 Reputation points

2026-09-13T09:34:00.76+00:00

There is no .exe listed !!!!
Abhishek U 170 Reputation points

2026-09-13T09:40:24.0466667+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to respond. It would be helpful if you could upload a screen recording showing what happens when you try to install any .exe files.
Derek Blezard 0 Reputation points

2026-09-13T09:47:25.63+00:00

I have just been asked to look at the apps listed on my computer and selected list by file type

.exe is not listed.

How do I add it ?
Derek Blezard 0 Reputation points

2026-09-13T09:47:36.53+00:00

I have just been asked to look at the apps listed on my computer and selected list by file type

.exe is not listed.

How do I add it ?
Abhishek U 170 Reputation points

2026-09-13T09:49:41.1233333+00:00

Sometimes windows don’t “add” .exe as a file type in the Default apps by file type list — it’s supposed to be built‑in and always associated with “Application.” If it’s missing, that means the file association for executables is broken. However you can try repairing it.

Answer 2

DYARI BARHAM 37,661 Independent Advisor

Hi ,

I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out.

You should not need gpedit.msc to run .exe files. Windows 10 Home doesn't include the Group Policy Editor, and you don't need to install it to fix this problem. Could you please share a screenshot of the error message you encountered while installing .exe files?

Also go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and tell me what Windows edition is shown there, is it say Windows 10 Home in S mode?

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Answer 3

Derek Blezard 0

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No indication it is in S mode.

I simply cannot get .exe files to run, and these are recognised programs , HP and a Windows Word game for example from the windows store

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