By default, Windows 10 is set to open PDF Files in Microsoft Edge browser. 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 the installation of Adobe PDF Reader or other PDF Viewers in order to view PDF files.
In Windows 10, Microsoft has done away with the need to install PDF viewer and assigned Microsoft Edge browser as the default PDF viewer.
While many users like the idea of not having to use a third party tool in order to view PDF files, there are others who prefer opening PDF files in Adobe Reader, instead of being redirected to Microsoft Edge whenever they try to open PDF files.
Hence, we are providing below the steps to Change Default PDF viewer in Windows 10 to Adobe Reader or any other PDF viewer of your choice.
Set Adobe Reader as Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
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. Open Settings and click on the Apps icon.
2. On Apps & Features screen, select Default apps in the left pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Choose default Apps by file type option.
3. On the next screen, scroll down until you find .pdf (PDF File) > click on Microsoft Edge next to .pdf and select Adobe Acrobat Reader as your preferred PDF viewer.
Windows Reverts Back to Microsoft Edge as Default PDF Viewer
You may find Windows 10 automatically reverting back to using Microsoft Edge as the default PDF viewer, whenever updates are installed on your computer.
If this happens, you can repeat the above steps and once again make Adobe Reader as the default PDF viewer on your computer.