"Interface Not Supported" Error When Opening Files in Windows 10 and Windows 11 — How to Fix

Encountering the "Interface Not Supported" error when opening files in Windows 10 or Windows 11 can be caused by various issues, including corrupted system files, registry errors, or incorrect file association settings. Here are several effective methods to resolve this problem.

1. Check System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can lead to errors. Use the built-in sfc utility to scan and repair system files:

sfc /scannow

Run this command in Command Prompt as an administrator. It will scan the system files for integrity, which may take a few minutes.

2. Re-register DLL Libraries

Sometimes, the issue is due to unregistered DLL libraries. To re-register them, follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Enter the following command to re-register all .dll files: 
    for %1 in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %1

This command will re-register all .dll files, which can help resolve the error.

3. Check File Associations

The error may be caused by incorrect file associations. Check file associations in Windows:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
  2. Ensure the appropriate default app is set for the affected file type.

4. Reset Default Settings in Windows

Sometimes, resetting all default settings can help fix interface issues:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
  2. Scroll to the bottom and click on Reset.

5. Update or Reinstall Problematic Programs

If the error occurs with a specific application, try updating it to the latest version or reinstalling it:

  • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
  • Find the program, select it, and click Uninstall. Then download the latest version from the official website and reinstall.

6. Perform a System Restore

If the issue started recently, a System Restore might help. To do this:

  1. Open Control Panel > Recovery.
  2. Select Open System Restore and follow the instructions.