Share via

Unable to set anything other than Edge as default for PDF files.

Anonymous
2024-04-30T22:42:45+00:00

When attempting to set Adobe, PDF24, SlimPDF, PDF viewer SE, or other apps as the default for PDF files via settings, the selection doesn't stick. I've also tried changing the default app through file properties without success. Additionally, using the "Open With" option and selecting alternative applications doesn't set them as default; the next file reverts to Edge. This is problematic as I'm trying to use PDF editors, and Edge keeps opening the files instead of the chosen application. Any insights on resolving this issue?
https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/73d8b228-9e20-4444-a526-89aa1776bbbd?platform=QnA"https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/ae8d2f0e-4b47-45ab-8447-10a2704438ae?platform=QnA" rel="ugc nofollow">https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/ae8d2f0e-4b47-45ab-8447-10a2704438ae?platform=QnA"https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/85ce588c-f8c5-4589-a191-cda575385a29?platform=QnA" title="filestore.community.support.microsoft.com" rel="ugc nofollow">

Microsoft Edge | Read PDFs | Windows 11

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-05-08T02:33:58+00:00

    Hello, GeneDryden

    Welcome to the Microsoft community.

    Thank you for your feedback. You can try the following programs:

    Open Run (Win + R).

    Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

    Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.pdf.

    Modify the “OpenWithProgids” item to set the default application value to the preferred PDF reader.

    If necessary, you can also make the appropriate changes in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.pdf.

    Modifying the registry may pose a risk to your system, so make sure you understand the changes you are making and Back up your registry ahead of time.

    Open the Command Prompt (Administrator).

    Use the assoc .pdf=AcroExch.Document command to associate a PDF file with Adobe Reader (Adobe Reader for example).

    Document=“C:\Path\to\your\PDF\reader.exe” %1 command to specify the default program path.

    If the above methods do not work, you can try to reset your PC by clicking System, Recovery, Reset this computer without keeping the files.

    Backup your important data before doing this operation.

    Please let me know if you have any other questions or if I haven't explained something clearly.

    Best Regards,

    Aaron | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    0 comments