How To Change Default PDF Viewer Windows 10

Are you tired of constantly opening PDF files and having them automatically open in the default Windows 10 PDF viewer? Well, there's a simple solution to this problem that can save you time and frustration.

To change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, you can follow these steps. First, open the settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting "Settings" from the menu. Then, in the settings menu, click on "Apps" and navigate to the "Default apps" section. Finally, scroll down until you find the "PDF viewer" option, click on it, and choose your desired PDF viewer application from the list or browse to find the application's executable file. By following these steps, you can easily change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 and open your PDF files with the application of your choice.

Why Change Your Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10?

The default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is Microsoft Edge, which can open and display PDF files. However, some users may prefer to use a different PDF viewer for various reasons. Changing the default PDF viewer allows you to have more control over your PDF viewing experience and access additional features that may not be available in Microsoft Edge.

By changing your default PDF viewer, you can choose a program that meets your specific requirements, such as advanced annotation tools, offline access to files, or compatibility with certain workflows. Additionally, if you regularly work with PDF documents, having a designated PDF viewer tailored to your needs can enhance your productivity and efficiency.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, so you can choose the program that best suits your preferences and work style.

Method 1: Changing the Default PDF Viewer through Settings

The easiest way to change your default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is through the Settings app. Follow the steps below to make the change:

• Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Settings."
• Click on "Apps."
• In the left sidebar, click on "Default apps."
• Scroll down and click on "Choose default apps by file type."
• Scroll down until you find the ".pdf" file type.
• Click on the currently selected default app, which should be Microsoft Edge.
• Select the PDF viewer you want to set as the default, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader.
• Close the Settings app, and the new default PDF viewer will be applied.

Once you've completed these steps, your chosen PDF viewer will open whenever you double-click on a PDF file or open a PDF link from a web page.

Additional Notes:

If the PDF viewer you want to use is not listed in the default apps, it may not be installed on your computer. In such cases, you need to download and install the desired PDF viewer before it can be selected as the default.

Alternative Method: Setting Default Programs

If you prefer to change the default PDF viewer through the Control Panel, you can use the "Set Default Programs" feature. Here's how:

• Open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and selecting the corresponding result.
• Click on "Default Programs."
• Click on "Set your default programs."
• Scroll down and select your preferred PDF viewer program from the list on the left.
• Click on "Set this program as default" on the right side of the window.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

Using this method, you can set the default program for other file types as well, not just PDFs.

Method 2: Changing the Default PDF Viewer through File Properties

If you want to change the default PDF viewer for a specific PDF file, you can do so by following these steps:

• Locate the PDF file you want to change the default viewer for.
• Right-click on the file and select "Properties."
• In the Properties window, click on the "Change" button next to "Opens with."
• Select the PDF viewer you want to use from the list.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

After completing these steps, the selected PDF viewer will open the specific PDF file you modified.

Note:

This method only changes the default viewer for a specific file and does not affect the default viewer for other PDF files.

Method 3: Changing the Default PDF Viewer in the Browser

If you primarily open PDF files from web browsers, you can change the default PDF viewer within the browser settings. The process may vary depending on the browser you are using. Here are the instructions for some popular browsers:

Mozilla Firefox:

• Open Firefox and click on the menu button (three parallel lines) at the top-right corner of the window.
• Select "Options."
• In the General section, scroll down to the "Applications" section.
• Find "Portable Document Format (PDF)" and click on the drop-down menu next to it.
• Select the desired PDF viewer from the list or click on "Use Other..." to browse and select the executable file of the PDF viewer.

Google Chrome:

• Open Chrome and click on the menu button (three vertical dots) at the top-right corner of the window.
• Select "Settings."
• Scroll down and click on "Advanced" to expand the advanced settings.
• In the "Privacy and security" section, click on "Content settings."
• Scroll down and click on "PDF documents."
• Toggle on the option "Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome."

These instructions are subject to change as browsers release updates. Please refer to the official documentation or the browser's support website for the most up-to-date instructions.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party PDF Viewer

If you're not satisfied with the default PDF viewers available in Windows 10 or want additional features, you can explore third-party PDF viewer options. Numerous PDF viewer programs offer advanced functionalities, such as extensive annotation tools, form filling capabilities, and the ability to merge or split PDF files.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: Adobe's free PDF viewer provides a wide range of features, including commenting, form filling, and digital signing capabilities.
• Foxit Reader: This lightweight viewer offers similar features to Adobe Acrobat Reader and is known for its speed and compatibility.
• Nitro Reader: Nitro Reader is a powerful free PDF viewer that allows for easy collaboration, document conversion, and form filling.
• SumatraPDF: A lightweight and minimalist PDF viewer that focuses on speed and simplicity.

These are just a few examples of the many third-party PDF viewer options available for Windows 10. When choosing a third-party PDF viewer, consider factors such as your specific workflow requirements, desired features, and user interface preferences.

Conclusion

Changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 allows you to personalize your PDF viewing experience and access additional features offered by different programs. Whether you prefer a lightweight viewer, advanced annotation tools, or compatibility with specific workflows, there are various options available to fulfill your requirements.

Changing the Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10

If you're looking to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, there are a few simple steps you can follow. Here's how:

1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Settings".

2. In the Settings app, click on "Apps".

3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on "Default apps".

4. Scroll down until you find the "Choose default apps by file type" section, and click on "PDF" to expand it.

5. Click on the current default PDF viewer (usually Microsoft Edge) and select the PDF viewer you want to set as the default.

6. Close the Settings app.

That's it! Your new PDF viewer should now be set as the default in Windows 10.

Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your version of Windows 10, but the general process should be the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10:

1. How can I change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10?

To change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on any PDF file and select "Open with" from the dropdown menu.
2. A list of installed applications will appear. If your desired PDF viewer is listed, click on it. If not, click on "Choose another app."
3. A new window will open with a list of available applications. Select your preferred PDF viewer from the list.
4. If your desired PDF viewer isn't listed, click on "More apps" to see additional options or click on "Look for another app on this PC" to manually browse and select the application.
5. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .pdf files" and click on "OK."

Your default PDF viewer in Windows 10 will be changed to the selected application.

2. What if the PDF viewer I want to use is not listed?

If your preferred PDF viewer is not listed in the options, you can choose to manually browse and select the application. Here's how:

1. Click on "Choose another app" in the "Open with" dropdown menu.
2. In the new window that opens, click on "Look for another app on this PC."
3. Navigate to the folder where your desired PDF viewer is installed and select the application file (usually ending with .exe).
4. Click on "Open."
5. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .pdf files" and click on "OK."

Your selected PDF viewer will become the default application for opening PDF files in Windows 10.

3. Can I change the default PDF viewer for only certain PDF files?

No, the default PDF viewer setting in Windows 10 applies to all PDF files. If you change the default PDF viewer, it will be used to open all PDF files on your computer unless you manually choose a different application for individual files.

4. How do I revert back to the previous default PDF viewer in Windows 10?

If you want to revert back to the previous default PDF viewer in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on any PDF file and select "Open with" from the dropdown menu.
2. Click on your previous default PDF viewer from the list of installed applications.
3. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .pdf files" and click on "OK."

Your default PDF viewer in Windows 10 will be changed back to the previous application you were using.

5. Can I have multiple PDF viewers installed on my Windows 10 PC?

Yes, you can have multiple PDF viewers installed on your Windows 10 PC. However, you can only set one as the default PDF viewer. To choose a different PDF viewer to open a specific PDF file, right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the desired application from the list or browse for it manually.

In conclusion, changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is a simple process that can be done through the settings menu. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily customize your PDF viewing experience and choose the program that best suits your needs.

Remember, having control over your default PDF viewer allows you to open and view PDF files with your preferred software, making it more convenient and efficient for your workflow. So don't hesitate to make this change and enjoy a hassle-free PDF viewing experience on your Windows 10 device.