"The REG file editor could not be opened" when clicking Edit in Registry Preview

[CompactProducer]

Microsoft PowerToys version

0.87.1

Installation method

WinGet

Running as admin

No

Area(s) with issue?

Registry Preview

Steps to reproduce

1. In Registry Editor, export the registry key to a .REG file - for example, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
2. In PowerToys Settings, expand Advanced and click Registry Preview.
3. Toggle Default app to On.
4. Open the .REG file in Registry Preview.
5. Click Edit, and the error message will appear.

✔️ Expected Behavior

It is supposed to open in Notepad.

❌ Actual Behavior

A pop-up message says:

Error
The REG file editor could not be opened.

Other Software

No response

[similar-issues-ai]

We've found some similar issues:

• Registry Preview edit function Error "The Reg file Editor could not be opened" #34269 , similarity score: 91%

If any of the above are duplicates, please consider closing this issue out and adding additional context in the original issue.

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