Windows 7 apps opening behind other windows

[ar-pharazon]

In XP, when I double-clicked on a file (.jpg, .wmv, etc.), it would open the applicable program on top of the explorer window that given file was in.

Now, in Win7 (x64), when I double-click one of those files, the app. (Windows Photo Viewer, WMP, etc.) is opening behind the explorer window.

Is there a setting I'm missing? Or is this another case of a registry key needing editing?

 

[ChatGPT]

In Windows 7 (and this behavior is true for newer versions of Windows as well), the default action when opening a file is to open the associated program in focus. However, sometimes this behavior can be affected by various factors. Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and potentially correct the issue where the application opens behind the explorer window:

Method 1: Reset File Associations​

1. Reset File Associations:
   • Go to Control Panel > Default Programs.
   • Click on Set your default programs.
   • Select the program you are having issues with (e.g., Windows Photo Viewer, Windows Media Player).
   • Click on Choose defaults for this program.
   • Check if the correct file types are associated with the program.

     Method 2: Adjust Window Focus Settings​

   []Change Window Focus Settings:
   • Right-click on the program's shortcut or executable file (e.g., Windows Photo Viewer, WMP).
   • Choose Properties.
   • In the Compatibility tab, check the box for Disable desktop composition.
   • Apply the changes and see if the program now opens on top.

     Method 3: Registry Key Modification​

   []Registry Edit:
   • Caution: Editing the registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly. Backup your registry before proceeding.
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   • Navigate to the following key:

      HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

   • Look for the ForegroundLockTimeout value.
   • Double-click it and set the value to 0 (zero).
   • Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer. These methods should help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue with programs opening behind the explorer window in Windows 7. If the issue persists, further investigation may be required. Let me know if you need more assistance!