To change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, open Settings > Apps > Default apps, select Choose default apps by file type, find .pdf, select the app next to it, and pick the one you want, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Edge, or another PDF reader. The fastest alternative is to right-click any PDF, choose Open with > Choose another app, pick the app, and check Always use this app to open .pdf files.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. On Windows 11, the setting is at Settings > Apps > Default apps, where you type .pdf in the search box.
Quick Answer
Right-click a PDF > Open with > Choose another app > select the app > check Always use this app > OK.
Method 1: Default Apps by File Type
- Press Windows + I and select Apps.
- Select Default apps on the left.
- Scroll down and select Choose default apps by file type.
- Find .pdf in the list (it can take a moment to load).
- Select the app shown next to it and choose your PDF reader.
Method 2: Open With
- Right-click a PDF file in File Explorer.
- Choose Open with > Choose another app.
- Select the app. If it’s not listed, select More apps or Look for another app on this PC.
- Check Always use this app to open .pdf files and select OK.
Method 3: From the PDF App Itself
- Adobe Acrobat Reader: Edit > Preferences > General > Select as Default PDF Handler.
- Other readers often offer a “make default” button on first launch or in settings, which opens the Windows setting for you.
Common PDF Apps on Windows
| App | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Edge | Built in | Viewing, filling forms, simple notes |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Free (paid for editing) | Forms, signatures, full compatibility |
| Bluebeam Revu | Paid | Construction and engineering markups |
| Browser (Chrome, Firefox) | Free | Quick viewing |
Bluebeam users on Windows 11 can follow our guide to setting Bluebeam as the default PDF app.
Troubleshooting
- Windows keeps switching back to Edge: Updates or another app may reset it. Set it again, and turn off the other app’s “make default” prompt.
- The app isn’t in the list: Reinstall or repair it, then try again. Use Look for another app on this PC to point to its .exe file.
- PDFs open in the browser after downloading: That’s a browser setting. In Chrome or Edge, set PDF documents to download instead of opening in the browser.
Removing a reader you no longer want? See how to completely remove Adobe Acrobat from Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get PDFs to open in Adobe instead of Chrome?
Set Acrobat Reader as the default for .pdf using Method 1 or 2. For PDFs you click in Chrome, change Chrome’s PDF setting to download PDFs.
Does changing the default delete the other app?
No. It only changes which app opens PDFs when you double-click.
Summary
- Settings > Apps > Default apps > Choose default apps by file type > .pdf.
- Or right-click a PDF > Open with > Always use this app.
- Adjust browser settings for web PDFs.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.