How to manage app execution aliases on Windows 10

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If you have multiple apps using the same alias name, then use this guide to specify which one should use it to run the right app from a command console.

On Windows 10, apps can declare alias names that you can use to run apps using Command Prompt. However, sometimes apps may declare a name that's already taken by another app, and when this happens, trying to run an alias may execute the incorrect application.

Starting with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803), to overcome this limitation, the Settings app includes an option that allows you to specify which app should use the alias when multiple applications have the same name.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to select which app should use a particular execution alias when multiple apps have the same name.

How to specify which app can use a repeated alias name

If you have multiple apps using the same alias name, you can use these steps to select which app should use it:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Click the Manage app execution aliases link.

  1. Turn of the toggle switch for the apps that have the same execution name.

Once you've completed the steps, running an alias app name using Command Prompt or Run command will only execute successfully for the app that has the toggle switch enabled.

If you disable apps that do not have conflicting names, you'll prevent those apps from running when using a Windows console, and you'll end up with command "is not recognized as internal or external command, operable program or batch file" message. However, using this option will not affect launching the app from the Start menu.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.