We’ve all been there — you click on a PDF link, expecting it to open in your favorite PDF viewer, but instead, it pops open in Microsoft Edge.
To stop PDFs from automatically opening in Edge, we can change the default PDF viewer in our computer’s settings.
It’s a quick fix that will save us from this minor headache and make sure our PDFs open just the way we like.
Edge stepping in every time can be a little pesky, especially if we’re used to Adobe Reader or another app.
Adjusting the settings not only gives us control but also makes for a seamless workflow. It’s like having that trusty old car that knows your every whim, rather than a flashy new one that insists on doing things its way.
Emphasizing those personal preferences can make a world of difference. Besides the peace of mind it brings, setting our default PDF viewer ensures that all those bookmarks, highlights, and annotations we make are saved correctly.
In the end, it’s all about convenience, and who doesn’t want that?
Contents
Understanding PDF File Associations in Windows
Knowing how PDF files associate with certain apps helps us decide which programs open our files. This can change our PDF experience on Windows, especially when we prefer using something other than Microsoft Edge as our viewer.
File Associations and Default Apps
In Windows 10, file associations control which app opens a specific file type. When you double-click a PDF, Windows checks the default app tied to that file type.
To switch this up, we head to Settings > Default Apps.
Scroll to .pdf and make adjustments.
Click Open with > Choose another app to see your options. This lets us pick a familiar face like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Changing associations is similar to rearranging furniture in our digital living room.
Like when you have a comfy sofa but want something new for your PDFs—it’s that easy with a click!
The Role of PDF Viewers
A PDF viewer is like our reading glasses for digital files. It shows us what’s inside each PDF. Some viewers offer extras like annotations or editing, while others just let us peek at the content.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a popular choice since it’s versatile. Meanwhile, Edge is sometimes the default, though not everyone’s cup of tea.
Finding the right viewer depends on our preferences. We may prefer the streamlined functions of a simple reader or might need the robust features of a full-blown editor.
Picking the right viewer saves us from headaches later on with files that refuse to behave!
Changing Default PDF Settings
When PDFs keep opening in Microsoft Edge, it can be annoying. Luckily, we can take steps to change the default PDF app on our computer. By tweaking some settings, we can ensure our PDFs open with our preferred programs.
Adjusting Windows Settings
We can adjust our Windows settings to change the default PDF app. Start by going to Windows Settings.
Click on Apps, then select Default Apps.
Scroll down to find PDF documents in the list. Click it, and a list of installed apps will appear.
Choose Adobe Acrobat or your preferred PDF reader.
Make sure to check the box that says Always use this app to open .pdf files. This will stop PDFs from automatically opening in Edge.
With these steps, our computer will remember our choice and use this app every time.
Using File Explorer to Change Defaults
Another way to change the default PDF reader is through File Explorer.
Open File Explorer and find a PDF file. Right-click on the file and select Open with.
A menu will pop up where we should choose Choose another app.
A list of apps will appear, and we should select our preferred PDF reader.
At the bottom, check the box that says Always use this app to open .pdf files before clicking OK.
This method is quick and ensures that we have our favorite PDF app ready for use.
Setting up Adobe Acrobat as Default
Using Adobe Acrobat as our default PDF app is also simple.
Open Adobe Acrobat and go to Edit in the top menu. Select Preferences, then navigate to the General section.
Here, we’ll find an option labeled Set as Default PDF Handler. Click this option to make sure Adobe Acrobat is the default for all PDF files.
Advanced Solutions to Prevent Edge from Opening PDFs
Tired of Edge sneaking its way into your PDFs? We’ve got some advanced tricks up our digital sleeves to help you take back control.
We’ll cover diving into the Registry Editor and tweaking Edge Browser Settings to keep those PDFs in check.
Modifying the Windows Registry
Let’s roll up our sleeves and make some registry magic happen! This path is not for the faint-hearted since a wrong click here can mess things up prettily.
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Open Registry Editor: First, search for “Regedit” in the Start menu and open it.
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Navigate to Key: Head over to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.pdf. -
NoOpenWith & NoStaticDefaultVerb: Check out if these exist. If not, kindly create both here.
These magic spells—or keys—stop Edge from grabbing PDFs as its plaything.
Remember, while we can undo Edge’s hold with this method, backups are your safety net. It’s like having a parachute before you jump—saves you when things go south!
Configuring Edge Browser Settings
Ah, the settings gear! Let’s tweak some knobs and bolts to keep PDFs where they belong.
- Settings Doorway: Open Edge and click those three little dots in the top right.
Find Settings and enter the rabbit hole.
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Site Permissions Adventure: Scroll down to Site Permissions and then march down to PDF documents.
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Toggle Switch: Flick on Always open PDF files externally to extend Edge an eviction notice from your PDFs.
Edge might think it’s ruler-of-all-PDFs, but these simple flicks bring back the peace we need! Gaming the settings into submission puts Edge in a friendlier, more cooperative mood.
This one’s easy-peasy with no code-crunching or deep dives required.
Now, let’s keep our PDFs in our preferred apps, minus the tantrums!