Windows 11 freezes when trying to change any default app

[Roykirk_911]

I have a new HP desktop running the latest version of Windows 11. It will not allow me to change the default app for any file type. Any attempt to do so causes the computer to freeze and I have to restart to get control back.  What I've tried: Ensured everything is up-to-date using HP Support Assistant, ran all HP diagnostics (no problems found), made sure BIOS was up-to-date.

Any advice on what I can try next?

[Bill_To]

Hi @Roykirk_911 

I have been using Windows since 1992. Have never seen this. Very unusual.

This type of strange error may indicate system storage device problems or memory problems but HP diagnostics passed. Try the following:

Open an Admin command prompt. Run the following commands:

sfc /scannow

If this command yields errors run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Then run the "sfc" command again.

I would then try a clean HP Windows image install after backing up data if the system file check commands per above don't fix the problem. HP provides a Cloud Recovery process for new PCs.

Contact HP Support for warranty assistance or return the PC for a refund/exchange if you have the same problem after doing a HP OS image recovery.

Don't know what else to tell you.

Regards

[Roykirk_911]

Found the solution in another forum. User advised me to uninstall all anti-virus programs that came pre-installed and just use Windows Defender. No problems after that.