As you must have noticed, Google Chrome browser has a default tendency to open PDF files directly in its own browser tab. However, it is also possible to make the Chrome browser on your computer to download the PDF Files, so that you can open them using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
You may want to do this, if you prefer using the Adobe Reader program to open PDF files and also if you are already using the Standard or Pro version of Adobe Acrobat software on your computer.
Make Chrome Open PDF Files Using Adobe Reader
In order to open PDF Files using Adobe Reader, the first step is to set the Google Chrome browser on your computer to download PDF files, instead of directly opening them in the browser tab.
The next step is to download & install the Adobe Reader program on your computer and set Adobe Reader as the default PDF Handler on your computer.
Once these steps are implemented, you will be able to open PDF files using Adobe Reader, instead of allowing Google Chrome to open them in a browser tab.
Related: How to Change Default PDF Reader in Windows 11/10
Step 1. Prevent Chrome Opening PDF Files in Browser Window
As mentioned above, the first step is to prevent the Google Chrome browser on your computer from opening PDF files in its own browser window.
1. Open Google Chrome > click on 3 dots icon > scroll down the long menu and click on Settings.
2. From the Settings screen, go to Privacy and Security (left-pane) > Site Settings > Additional Content Settings and click on PDF Documents.
3. On the next screen, check Download PDF’s option.
After this, you should find Google Chrome downloading PDF files, instead of opening them directly in the browser window.
Step 2. Download & Install Adobe Acrobat Reader
Since, Windows computers do not come with Adobe Acrobat pre-installed on them, you need to download and install the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
1. Open the web browser on your computer and go to Adobe’s download site.
2. Download the free Adobe Reader on your computer
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install Adobe Reader on your computer.
Step 3. Set Adobe As Default PDF Hander
The final step is to set Adobe Reader as the default PDF Handler on your computer.
1. Open Adobe Reader on your computer > click on Edit and select Preferences in the drop-down menu.
2. On the next screen, click on General (left-pane) > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Select as Default PDF Handler button.
3. If prompted, enter your Admin Password to authorize this change on your computer.
4. On the next screen, click on Continue > Follow the instructions to make PDF files open in Adobe Reader.
Now, when you open PDF Files on your computer, you will always find them opening in Adobe Reader and not in Google Chrome.