How to Change the Default PDF Viewer in Windows 11

The Microsoft Edge Hijack

If you have recently purchased a new Windows 11 computer, or if you recently installed a major system update, you may have noticed a frustrating change to your files. Every time you double-click a PDF document—whether it is a downloaded bank statement, a work contract, or an eBook—it automatically opens inside the Microsoft Edge web browser instead of your dedicated PDF software (like Adobe Acrobat).

This happens because Microsoft aggressively promotes its Edge browser by making it the default handler for several file types out of the box. While Microsoft Edge is actually a surprisingly capable PDF viewer, it lacks the advanced editing, signing, and markup tools found in professional PDF applications.

If you prefer to use Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, or any other third-party software, you can easily strip Microsoft Edge of its default status and give control back to your preferred application.

How to Change the Default PDF Viewer Using Windows Settings

The most permanent way to fix this issue is through the main Windows 11 Settings app. Before you begin, ensure you have actually downloaded and installed your preferred PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat) onto your computer.

1. Click the Start button (the Windows logo) at the bottom of your screen and click on the Settings gear icon.
2. In the left-hand sidebar of the Settings window, click on Apps.
3. On the right side of the screen, click on Default apps.
4. At the very top of the Default apps page, you will see a search bar labeled “Enter a file type or link type.”
5. Click inside the search bar and type .pdf (make sure to include the period before the word pdf).
6. Press Enter.
7. The screen will now show that Microsoft Edge is the current default app for PDF files. Click on the Microsoft Edge icon (or the small arrow next to it).
8. A pop-up window will appear asking, “How do you want to open .pdf files from now on?”
9. Scroll through the list of installed programs and click on your preferred software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat).
10. Click the Set default button at the bottom of the pop-up window.

All of the PDF icons on your desktop and in your folders should instantly change from the Microsoft Edge logo to the logo of your newly selected application.

The Faster Alternative: “Open With” Method

If you do not want to dig through the Settings app, there is a much faster shortcut you can use directly from your File Explorer.

1. Open your File Explorer and locate any PDF file saved on your computer.
2. Right-click the file.
3. Hover your mouse over the Open with option in the menu.
4. A secondary menu will slide out. Do not just click your preferred app here. Instead, scroll to the bottom of the list and click Choose another app.
5. A new window will pop up. Click on your preferred PDF software (like Adobe Acrobat) from the list.
6. Crucial Step: Look for the small checkbox at the bottom that says “Always use this app to open .pdf files.” You must click to check this box.
7. Click OK.

The PDF will immediately open in your chosen software, and Windows will remember this preference for all future PDF files.

Why Did My PDF Viewer Change Back to Edge?

Many users successfully change their default PDF viewer, only to find that Windows has mysteriously reverted the setting back to Microsoft Edge a few weeks later.

This is a known annoyance in the Windows ecosystem. Major Windows Updates (or updates to the Edge browser itself) will sometimes reset default file associations without asking for your permission.

If this happens, you have not done anything wrong. Unfortunately, there is no permanent registry hack to prevent Windows from doing this. You will simply need to repeat the quick “Open With” method above to re-establish your preferred software as the default.