The default option in Windows 10 is to open PDF Files using Microsoft Edge. However, it is easy to change the Default PDF Viewer and make your computer open PDF Files in Adobe Reader.
Change Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
The earlier version of Windows (XP, 7 and 8) required users to install Adobe PDF Reader software in order to view PDF files on their computer.
In Windows 10/11, Microsoft Edge browser comes with its own built-in PDF viewer, which has removed the need to download and install any third-party PDF Reader on the computer.
While many users are happy with this setup, there are others who prefer opening PDF files in Adobe Reader, instead of opening in the browser window.
Hence, Windows OS provides the option to Change Default PDF viewer in Windows 10/11 to Adobe Acrobat Reader or any other PDF viewer of your choice.
1. Change Default PDF Viewer Using Settings
Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer and follow the steps below to set Adobe Reader as the default PDF viewer on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > Apps > select Default Apps in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Choose Default Apps by File Type link.
2. On the next screen, scroll down to .pdf file type in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Microsoft Edge and select Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF Reader on your computer.
After this, you should find your computer always opening PDF Files using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Change Default PDF Reader Using Right-click Menu
If Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed on your computer, it will appear as an option in the right-click menu.
1. Right-click on any PDF File on the Desktop > hoover mouse over Open with option and select Adobe Acrobat in the side menu.
2. A little while after the File opens in Adobe Reader, you will see a pop-up. Click on the Yes button to make Adobe Reader as the default PDF viewer on your computer.
3. Select PDF reader from the list of options that will appear in the pop-up.
From now on any file that you save as PDF will be visible as a PDF document (the familiar RED file) and all PDF files will open as PDF documents using the PDF reader.
3. Set Adobe Reader As Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10/11
The easiest way to make your computer open PDF files in Adobe Acrobat Reader is to download and install the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader software on your computer.
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer and select the Yes option in the pop-up that appears.
2. If the pop-up menu does not appear, click on the Edit tab in top-menu bar and select Preferences in the drop-down menu.
3. On the preferences screen, select General in left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll all the way down and click on Select as Default PDF Handler button.
4. Enter your Admin Password (if prompted) and follow the on-screen instructions to make Adobe Acrobat Reader as the default PDF Viewer on your computer.
Windows Reverts Back to Microsoft Edge as Default PDF Viewer
You may find Windows 10 reverting back to using Microsoft Edge as the default PDF viewer, whenever updates are installed on the computer.
If this happens, you can repeat the above steps and once again make Adobe Reader as the default PDF viewer on your computer.