Set File Associations at Scale with Application Workspace & SetUserFTA

Setting user file type associations (FTAs) can be a hassle, especially because Microsoft frequently changes the process, making life harder for IT admins. Before I joined Recast, I worked as a Workspace Consultant. During that time, SetUserFTA was my go-to tool. I used it extensively, particularly in VDI environments. It was a lifesaver! In those days, this handy tool was free to use. Today, businesses must purchase a license to use it. I suspect it’s worth it, given its capabilities and the time it saves IT admins. You’ll see why throughout this post. A personal edition is available for non-commercial, trial use only. It lets you test the tool before adopting it. 

You can pair the tool with GPOs or scripts but combining it with Application Workspace unlocks its full potential. With Application Workspace, you can install applications just in time and pre-configure settings through Smart Icon technology.  

So, how do you handle FTAs? Application Workspace and Smart Icons provide on-demand, context-aware application access, eliminating hours- or days-long waits for users across the enterprise. In this blog, I’ll dive into common scenarios we often hear from customers and how these can be tackled successfully with Application Workspace.  

What is SetUserFTA? 

SetUserFTA is a command-line tool for managing file type associations and default browser settings on Windows. It lets you decide which applications open specific file types, simplifying life for your organization. It also lists installed browsers and lets you set the default with a single command—saving IT admins time. 

What I really like is how it handles group-based settings, which makes life a lot easier when managing different user roles. It also gives you a clear view of current associations, so you always know what’s going on. Whether you’re building a new system or maintaining an existing one, SetUserFTA speeds up the process. 

Here are a few features that make the tool indispensable: 

• Per-User Changes: Need different FTAs per user in VDIs? This feature handles that, making multi-user setups simple. 
• Command-Line Interface: If you’re into automation and flexibility like me, you’ll love the command-line interface. It makes modifying file associations a walk in the park. 
• Windows Compatibility: The tool supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and Server 2022/2025; SetUserFTA 2.x does not support Windows 8. 
• Display Current Settings: Quickly list existing FTAs or default browser settings. 
• Customization of File Associations: Take control of which programs open your files to make your system work as you desire. 

Common Scenarios—Smart Fixes 

Over the past few months, I’ve come across several recurring scenarios in the field. A frequent question is, “How do we manage FTAs while maintaining control, flexibility, and a strong user experience?” Below are two real-world scenarios and how I approached them. 

Scenario 1: Setting File Type Associations (FTAs) Just-in-Time (User-Level Control) 

The Challenge 

As an organization, you want to ensure that FTAs are only set after the relevant application is installed. Ideally, you set FTAs just in time at the user level, not the device level, giving you far more control. 

My Approach 

I used Application Workspace to pull the app from the Recast Setup Store, ensuring the latest version. Then, using Smart Icon technology, we configure the FTA just-in-time only when the user actually needs it. 

For this example, I used VLC Player and a few sample video files with varying formats, just to keep it interesting.  

Visual Walkthrough 

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Scenario 2: Set FTAs at Logon in Multi-Session VDIs (User Level) 

The Challenge 

Your organization is running Windows 11 multi-session VMs in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). We needed granular control: only users in a specific Entra group should open images with a full-featured editor. Everyone else should use a basic image viewer. This approach also reduces licensing costs. 

My Approach 

I built one Application Workspace package that runs at logon. Based on Entra group membership, the package assigns the FTA to either the editor or the viewer. Since we’re working with AVD session hosts, the applications are already pre-installed and ready to go on the VMs. That said, I still wanted to make sure we were using the latest versions of the application being used. So, I deployed them via an Application Workspace deployment straight from our curated Recast Setup Store, your go-to for always getting the most up-to-date versions. 

In this case, I used GIMP as the editor and IrfanView as the viewer. Application Workspace checks whether the user is a member of a specific Entra group. If they are, their FTAs are set to use an image editing tool (GIMP). If they are not, the FTAs point to a lightweight viewer (IrfanView).  

Want to take it a step further? You could also hide the application from users who aren’t part of a specific Entra group. Microsoft FSLogix App Masking is great for this. I covered that in a separate post if you’d like more detail. 

Visual Walkthrough 

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In Summary: Set File Associations at Scale with Application Workspace & SetUserFTA 

Managing File Type Associations (FTAs) can be a hassle, especially in dynamic or virtualized environments. Together, SetUserFTA and Application Workspace with Smart Icons let you set FTAs just in time based on user context, Entra group membership, or app availability. This combination delivers precision, automation, and improved user experience, making the FTA management process far more efficient and scalable. 

Need help implementing this approach or extending it to other apps? Let us know by reaching out for a demo or to our customer experience team.