How to Change Default PDF Reader on Windows

Learn how to Change Default PDF Reader on Windows in this guide. The addition of Microsoft Edge is one of the most important changes to Windows 11/10. It was made to be the default PDF viewer as well as the default browser for Windows 11/10, taking the place of Internet Explorer. This just means that when Windows users open a PDF file, this app will be used automatically. This is great because it means you don’t have to install a separate PDF reader, which could slow down your computer. There are some useful features in being able to view and edit PDF files, but they aren’t as powerful as other programs.

But if you’d rather use a more powerful program, like Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, people who use PDF files a lot might find that Microsoft Edge isn’t as powerful as they’d like. And if you’d rather use more flexible software, you’ll be glad to know that you can change Windows 10’s default PDF viewer so that your PDF files will open automatically in that software. We mentioned below are the ways how to Change Default PDF Reader on Windows.

What is Default PDF Reader?

If you just want to quickly look at a PDF, the PDF viewer that comes with your computer is great. But as you look at a PDF, you might see things that need to be changed. Most PDF viewers that come with your computer don’t have the tools you need to edit files or work together with other people. You might want to set Adobe Acrobat as your default PDF viewer so that all of the tools you need to edit and work together are in one place.

If you just want to quickly look at a PDF, the PDF viewer that comes with your computer is great. But as you look at a PDF, you might see things that need to be changed. Most PDF viewers that come with your computer don’t have the tools you need to edit files or work together with other people. You might want to set Adobe Acrobat as your default PDF viewer so that all of the tools you need to edit and work together are in one place.

How to Change Default PDF Reader on Windows

Use the Control Panel

1. Go to the search bar in the Start menu and type “control panel.” Then, choose the best match.
2. Go to the Control Panel and click on Programs. Then, click on Default Programs.
3. Next, click on Set your default apps.
4. Pick out the PDF reader you like best, then click “Set this program as default” to make it the default PDF reader.

From the Settings App

1. Type “settings” into the search bar in the Start menu and choose the best match.
2. Choose Default apps when you click on App.
3. Now scroll down and pick the PDF file type. Next, pick the default app.
4. Last, click on your new app to read PDFs.

Use the “Open With” Context Menu

1. Press and hold on the PDF file.
2. Move your mouse over “Open with,” and then choose the driver you just installed.
3. If your reader isn’t there, click “Choose another app” and pick it from the list that comes up.
4. Your PDF file will open, and the app you chose will now be used every time you open a PDF file.

Benefits of changing your default PDF reader

1. Better Experience for Users: You can pick a PDF reader that is easier for you to use, with features and styles that you like.
2. Better productivity: Some PDF readers are faster and more efficient, which can help you open and move around in PDF files faster, which saves you time in the long run.
3. Advanced Features: Different PDF readers have different advanced features, such as tools for making notes, digital signatures, and text recognition. You can easily get to these features by changing your default reader.
4. Protection: Some PDF readers have built-in safety features like encryption and password protection that can help you keep your private files safe.
5. Customization: You can pick a PDF reader that lets you change the layout, fonts, and other settings to make the reading experience exactly how you want it.
6. Compatibility: Different PDF readers may work better with different file types or versions of PDF, so you can easily open and read many different types of documents.
7. Resource Efficiency: Choosing a light PDF reader can help your system use fewer resources, which will make your system run better overall.

Troubleshooting tips for changing your default PDF reader

1. Check Installed PDF Readers: Ensure that you have the PDF reader software you want to set as default installed on your computer. If not, download and install it from a reputable source.
2. Administrator Privileges: Make sure you have the necessary administrative privileges to change default programs on your computer. If you’re not an administrator, contact your IT department or the person who manages your computer.
3. File Type Association: Sometimes, the default PDF reader setting is controlled by file type association. To fix this, right-click on a PDF file, select “Open with,” and choose your preferred PDF reader. Check the box that says “Always use this app to open .pdf files.”
4. Default App Settings: On Windows, go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Default apps.” Check if your desired PDF reader is listed under “Choose default apps by file type.” If not, scroll down and choose “Set defaults by app” to select your preferred PDF reader.
5. Reinstall PDF Reader: If you’re still facing issues, try uninstalling and then reinstalling your preferred PDF reader. This can help reset any broken associations.

Conclusion

These days, almost all computers have a program called a PDF viewer that lets you read, print, and sometimes change PDF files. Inside the newest versions of Windows 11/10, Microsoft Edge, a web browser, is set as the default PDF viewer. A lot of people watch videos in their web browser, like Edge, Chrome, or something else. Some people may use a program just for PDFs, like Foxit or Adobe Acrobat Reader. Whichever one you choose, Windows 10 will always use that one as the default. This means that any PDF file you have will open automatically with that one.

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