The default setting in Windows 10/11 is to open PDF Files using Microsoft Edge. However, it is still possible to make your computer open PDF Files using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Make Computer Open PDF Files Using Adobe Reader
As you must have noticed, when you open a PDF File located on your computer, on the internet or from an Email Attachment, it opens directly in the browser window.
This happens because, Microsoft Edge browser comes with its own built-in PDF Viewer, which eliminates the need to download and install any third-party PDF Reader on the computer.
While this setup suits many users, there are some users who prefer using a dedicated PDF Software and want to see PDF files opening in Adobe Reader, instead of opening in the browser window.
Hence, Windows 10/11 provides the option to change the default PDF Viewer on your computer from Microsoft Edge to Adobe Acrobat or any other PDF Reader.
1. Always Open PDF Files Using Adobe Acrobat Reader
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.
Once that is done, open Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer and select the Yes option in the pop-up that appears.
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.
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.
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.
2. Use Right-click Menu to Open PDF Files Using Adobe Reader
If Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed on your computer, it will become available as an option in the right-click menu.
Right-click on any PDF File on the Desktop > hoover mouse over Open with option and select Adobe Acrobat in the side menu.
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.
From now on, any PDF File that you open from your computer will be opening in Adobe Reader, instead of opening in the browser window.
3. Make Computer Open PDF Files in Adobe Reader Using Settings
Another way to make computer open PDF Files in Adobe Reader is to associate .pdf file format with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Open 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.
On the next screen, scroll down to .pdf file type in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Microsoft Edge and click on Adobe Acrobat in the menu that appears.
After this, you should no longer find Microsoft Edge opening PDF Files on your computer.
