How to Make Adobe Acrobat Reader the Default PDF Reader in Windows 11

Windows 11 often defaults to opening PDF files with Microsoft Edge, which might not be ideal for those who prefer using Adobe Acrobat Reader's comprehensive features. If you've installed Adobe Acrobat Reader but PDF files still open in Microsoft Edge, this guide will help you set Adobe Acrobat Reader as your default PDF reader.

Set Adobe Acrobat Reader as the default PDF viewer via Windows settings

1. Open the Windows Settings by clicking the Start button and selecting Settings, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.

2. In the Settings window, click on Apps from the left sidebar, then select Default apps from the right pane.

3. Scroll down and click on Choose defaults by file type under the Related settings section.

4. In the search box under Set defaults for file types, type .pdf. The default app for PDF files will be displayed.

5. Click on the current default app (usually Microsoft Edge). If a prompt titled Before you switch appears, click Switch anyway.

6. In the How do you want to open .pdf files from now on? window, select Adobe Acrobat DC under Other options, then click OK.

Set Adobe Acrobat Reader as default PDF reader from the properties menu

If you prefer a quicker method without navigating through multiple settings, you can change the default PDF viewer directly from a PDF file's properties menu.

1. Locate any PDF file on your computer, right-click on it, and select Properties.

2. In the Properties window, next to Opens with, click on the Change button.

3. From the list of applications, choose Adobe Acrobat DC and click OK.

Once you've clicked OK, double-click the PDF file, and it should now open with Adobe Acrobat Reader, confirming that it is set as your default PDF viewer.

By following these methods, you can easily set Adobe Acrobat Reader as your default PDF viewer in Windows 11, ensuring that your PDF files always open with your preferred application.