why file type is showing ‘SolidWorks Application’ instead of ‘Part’, ‘Assembly’ or ‘Drawing’ file

Fixing SOLIDWORKS File Association Issues: A Simple Guide

Have you ever noticed that your SOLIDWORKS files—parts (.sldprt), assemblies (.sldasm), or drawings (*.slddrw)—are opening in the wrong program? Or maybe the icons look odd in Windows Explorer, or files open in a brand-new SOLIDWORKS session even though the program is already running. These problems are usually caused by file association errors. The good news is you can fix them with a few straightforward steps.

Why Does This Happen?

• Program icons are incorrect: eDrawings icon showing instead of SOLIDWORKS, or vice versa.
• Files don’t preview properly in File Explorer.
• Opening a file starts a new instance of SOLIDWORKS rather than using the existing window.

How to Resolve It?
Step 1: Restore SOLIDWORKS File Associations

1. Run SOLIDWORKS as an administrator.
   
2. Go to Tools → Options → System Options → General.
   
3. Click Restore File Associations, then press OK and confirm.
4. Close SOLIDWORKS and check whether the problem is fixed.

If it’s not, move on to step 2.

Step 2: Use “Open With” to Set Correct Associations

1. Open File Explorer and locate one file each of these types: .sldasm, .sldprt, and .slddrw.
   
2. Right-click on, for example, an .sldasm file and choose Open With → Choose another app.
   
3. From the app list, select SOLIDWORKS Launcher (not just “SOLIDWORKS”).
   – If you don’t see it, click More apps to reveal hidden programs.
   – Tick Always use this app to open .sldasm files and click OK.
   – Repeat for .sldprt (parts) and .slddrw (drawings).
   
4. SOLIDWORKS will now open the file.
   Note: If several SOLIDWORKS major versions are installed on the workstation, the dialog below appears and version must be selected from the options. You can also check the option “Do not show this again..”, so that the dialog is not shown the next time you open the file.