Windows 11 does not ship with a separate app to open PDF files. Instead, the built-in Microsoft Edge is set as the default PDF reader.
The Microsoft Edge is a decent PDF reader that supports highlighting, drawing, and adding text to PDF files. Besides, you can rotate PDFs and search within PDF files with Edge.
While most users do not try changing the default PDF reader, many want to use the popular Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF reader, as it offers more features and options. For instance, if required, you can fill out forms and sign them.
If you also prefer using Adobe Acrobat to open PDF files, you might want to set it as the default as well.
This guide shows you how to set Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF reader in Windows 11.
Method 1 of 3
Set Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF reader via the context menu in Windows 11
This is the easiest and quickest way to set Adobe Acrobat as the default reader for PDF files.
Step 1: Open the File Explorer and navigate to the location where one or more PDF files are saved.
Step 2: Right-click on any PDF file, click Open with, click Choose another app, select Adobe Acrobat from the list of apps, and then click the Always button to set Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF reader on your Windows 11 PC.
Method 2 of 3
Set Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF reader via the Settings app in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings app via search or any other way.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps > Default apps page.
Step 3: In the Set a default for a file type or link type field, type .PDF and then hit the Enter key to see the default app’s entry just below the field.
Step 4: To set Adobe Acrobat as the default, click the current default app’s entry, select Adobe Acrobat from the list, and then click the Set default button. That’s it!
Method 3 of 3
Another way to set Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF reader in Windows 11
Step 1: Go to Windows 11 Settings > Apps > Default apps page.
Step 2: In the Set default for applications field, type Adobe Acrobat and then press the Enter key.
Step 3: Look for the “.PDF” section. The “.PDF” section shows the current default reader. Click on it.
Step 4: Select Adobe Acrobat from the apps list and then click the Set default button. That’s it!
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