How to fix MS-SETTINGS DISPLAY This File does not have a Program Associated with it (Windows 10)

On a Windows 10 computer the following error may appear when you try to open the "Display Settings" or the "Personalize" option after Window 10 update: "ms-settings:display – This File does not have a Program Associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel".

This tutorial contains instructions to resolve "ms-settings:display" & "ms-personalization-background" issues in Windows 10 (This File does not have a Program Associated with it).

How to fix: "ms-settings:display This File does not have a Program Associated with it"

* Important: Before you continue below ensure that your PC is starting in "Normal Mode" with all recommended drivers and services running. To do that:

a. Press Windows   + R keys to load the Run dialog box.
b. Type msconfig and press Enter.

c. At General tab check the Normal startup (if not checked) and click OK.
d. Restart your PC and check if the "MS-SETTINGS DISPLAY" problem is resolved.

Method 1. Check for Updates & Restart your Device.

Method 2. Reset Windows Store cache.

Method 3. Repair Microsoft .NET Framework.

Method 4. Create a new Account.

Method 5. Run System File Checker (SFC).

Method 6. Fix Windows corruptions with DISM Tool.

Method 7. Restore Windows to a Previous Working Point or Build.

Method 8. Repair Windows 10 with an in-place Upgrade.

Method 1. Install Updates & Restart your Device.

The first method to fix the "ms-settings:display" & "ms-personalization-background" issues in Windows 10 is to download and install all the available Windows 10 updates and then to restart your device.

Method 2. Reset Windows Store Cache

The second method to resolve the "ms-settings" personalization problem is to reset the Windows Store Cache. To do that:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open the Run box.
2. Type WSReset.exe and press Enter.

3. Close the Store window and then try to launch the personalization settings again.

Method 3. Repair Microsoft .NET Framework. *

* Note: Thanks to TIM and his comment below for this solution.

1. Download and run Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool.
2. Click Next when prompted to apply the recommended changes.

3. When the issues resolved click Finish.
4. Restart the PC and check if the problem persists.

Method 4. Create a new Account.

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open the run command box and type:

• control userpasswords2

3. Click the Add button to create a new account.

4. Select Sign in without a Microsoft account.

5. Choose Local account at the next screen.

6. Type an account name (e.g. User1) and a password (if you want) and click Next and Finish.
7. At 'User Accounts' main window, click Properties and then click the Group Membership tab.
8. Place a dot at Administrator and click OK twice to exit.

Advanced.

9. Now, sign-out and sign-in using your new account.
10. Try to launch the 'Personalization' or the 'Display' settings. If the problem is resolved, then transfer your files and settings from your old account to the new one.

Method 5. Run System File Checker.

The next method to solve Windows 10 problems is to run the System File Checker (SFC) tool in order to fix Windows' corrupted files and services. To do that:

1. Open an elevated command prompt (Command Prompt (Admin)), type the following command and press Enter.

• SFC /SCANNOW

3. Wait and do not use your computer until SFC tool checks and fixes the corrupted system files or services.
4. When SFC tool finishes, reboot your computer and check if your problem is fixed.

Method 6. Fix Windows corruptions with DISM Tool.

1. Right click at Windows start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. At the command prompt window, type the following command & press Enter:

• Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

3. Be patient until DISM repairs the component store.
4. When DISM operation is completed, you should be informed that the component store corruption was repaired.
5. Restart your computer.

Method 7. Restore Windows to a Previous Working Point.

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open the Run box.
2. Type rstrui and hit OK.

3. Press Next at the first screen and then select an older restore point to restore your computer. *

* Note: If Restore points are not available, then try to restore Windows 10 to an earlier build.

Method 8. Repair Windows 10 with an in-place Upgrade.

The final method to fix Windows 10 problems, is to perform a Windows 10 Repair-Upgrade. For that task follow the detailed instructions on this article: How to repair Windows 10.

That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about which method is worked for you. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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