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Change Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10

This how to change your default pdf viewer.

Information
Escalation
Related Documentation
- Using the Settings app
- Using the file context menu

Information

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Escalation

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Related Documentation

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By default Windows 10 attempts to open Adobe .pdf files with its Edge browser instead of Adobe Acrobat.

In order to disable Microsoft Edge's PDF feature, you need to change the file association, which you can do with the following steps. There are two processes listed below. Choose which is easier for you.

Using the Settings app

1. Press and hold the <Windows logo key> and press the X key –or- right-click the Start button to bring up the Quick Menu, then left click Settings.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Click on Default apps.

4. Click the Choose default apps by file type link.

5. Scroll down and find .pdf (PDF File), and click the button on the right side, which is likely to read "Microsoft Edge."

6. Select your app from the list to set it as the new default.

image of the default app selection window with Acrobat DC selected

7. Click the Switch anyway link to confirm the change.

Once you completed the steps, Microsoft Edge will no longer open PDF files by default in the web browser.

Using the file context menu

Alternatively, you can quickly make another app as your default PDF reader, using the following steps:

1. Right-click a PDF file.

2. Select Open With.

3. Click on Choose another app.

4. Select the PDF application you want to use. Adobe Acrobat in our instance.

5. Check the Always use this app to open .pdf files option.

6. Click OK.

If you don't see the app you want to use in the list, click the More apps link at the bottom of the list. You can also click the Look for another app on this PC to find the PDF application you want to set as default.

Title:

Service: (What is your application/support service titled as in Service Now?)

Template if applicable: (Is there a Help Desk or MDS template for the Application? If one is needed, the Service desk can assist.)

Assignment Group(s): (What team(s) would an escalated ticket be assigned to in Service Now?)

Document Owner: Who would be the contact for updated documentation and review?

Available Priorities: Critical, High, Medium, Low (Leave all priorities that the Service Product could be assigned as in an escalated ticket.)

Keywords: (Provide all alternate names for the application or service, sub products or routines that would be referenced by the user or any other words that would assist in supporting the document)

OIT Managed Desktop Support Service: Change Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10

Table of Contents

Information

Escalation

Related Documentation

Using the Settings app

Using the file context menu