How to Fix Windows 11 Prompting to Choose an App for Tax Return Files
Question details
The user is unable to open a tax return file stored on an external drive because Windows 11 continuously prompts them to select an application.
- Product
- Windows 11 File Explorer
- Device & OS
- Windows 11 Home
- Scenario
- Trying to access a 2022 tax return file on an external drive after installing Windows 11 or recovering from software corruption, but encountering an unknown file type or a misidentified folder.
- Observed behavior
- Windows 11 fails to recognize the file format automatically and prompts the user to choose an application (like Notepad or Word) to open the selected item.
Ensure your external drive is securely connected to your computer and verify that the specific tax preparation software used to create the return is installed on your Windows 11 system.
Identify the File Extension and Select the Correct Application
Checking the file properties helps reveal its true format, allowing you to manually associate it with the correct tax software.
When system software is corrupted or freshly installed, default file associations can be lost. By identifying the exact file extension, you can easily determine which application is required to open your tax records.
Open File Explorer, navigate to your external drive, and locate the tax return item. Right-click the file and select "Properties" from the context menu.
In the General tab, look at the "Type of file" field to find its extension (for example, .tax2022 or .pdf). This indicates what software is required to read the data.
If you have the correct software installed, right-click the file again, hover over "Open with", and select "Choose another app". Select the appropriate tax software and check the box that says "Always use this app to open files".
Verify if the Unknown Item is Actually a Folder
Sometimes system corruption or transferring files across drives can cause folders to misbehave, making users mistake them for unknown files.
Easily View Exported Tax Returns with WPS Office
While native tax files require specialized software, most tax returns are also saved as PDFs or Excel spreadsheets for your personal records. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that perfectly handles all your exported financial documents with built-in PDF reading and seamless format compatibility.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the latest version of WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the installation on your Windows 11 PC.
- 2. Set Default Applications: During the installation process, allow WPS Office to be set as your default application for PDF, docx, and xlsx files.
- 3. Open Exported Tax Documents: Navigate to your external drive and double-click your PDF or Excel tax return files to view them instantly in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows 11 ask me how I want to open this file?
This prompt appears when Windows encounters a file format it does not recognize, when your default app settings have been reset, or if the software originally used to open the file has been uninstalled or corrupted.
How can I change default apps in Windows 11?
Open Windows Settings, go to Apps, and click on 'Default apps'. From there, you can search for a specific file extension (like .pdf or .xlsx) and choose which program should open it automatically.
Can I open a tax return file in Microsoft Word or Notepad?
No, opening a native tax data file (like .tax or .t22) in text editors like Word or Notepad will display unreadable gibberish. You must use the specific tax software it was created in, unless the document was explicitly exported as a standard PDF.
