Are you tired of being forced to use Microsoft Edge as your default PDF viewer in Windows 10? Do you prefer using a different PDF viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat or Foxit Reader, to view and edit your PDF files? If so, you’re in luck! Changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process that can be done in just a few clicks. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 and provide some useful tips and tricks along the way.
Why Change the Default PDF Viewer?
Before we dive into the steps to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, let’s take a quick look at why you might want to make the change in the first place.
Microsoft Edge is Limited
Microsoft Edge is a decent web browser, but it’s not exactly the most feature-rich PDF viewer out there. Compared to other popular PDF viewers like Adobe Acrobat or Foxit Reader, Edge lacks many advanced features, such as:
- Annotation and markup tools
- Advanced editing capabilities
- Support for fillable forms
- Integration with cloud storage services
If you need to view and edit PDF files on a regular basis, Microsoft Edge might not be the best choice. That’s where changing the default PDF viewer comes in.
How to Change the Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
Changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Change the Default App through Settings
The first method to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is through the Settings app.
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings window, click on the “Apps” icon.
- In the Apps window, click on “Default apps” on the left side of the window.
- Scroll down to the “Choose default apps by file type” section and click on “Choose default apps by file type”.
- In the “Choose default apps by file type” window, scroll down to the “.pdf” file type and click on it.
- Click on the “Microsoft Edge” icon to open the “Look for an app in the Microsoft Store” window.
- In the “Look for an app in the Microsoft Store” window, type in the name of the PDF viewer you want to use (e.g. Adobe Acrobat) and click on it.
- Click on the “Install” button to install the app.
- Once the app is installed, click on the “Set default” button to set it as the default PDF viewer.
Method 2: Change the Default App through File Explorer
The second method to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is through File Explorer.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to a folder that contains a PDF file.
- Right-click on a PDF file and select “Open with” from the context menu.
- In the “Open with” window, select “Choose another app” from the list of available apps.
- In the “How do you want to open this file?” window, select the PDF viewer you want to use (e.g. Adobe Acrobat) from the list of available apps.
- Make sure the “Always use this app to open .pdf files” checkbox is selected.
- Click on the “OK” button to set the default PDF viewer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward process, you may encounter some common issues along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome them:
Issue 1: Microsoft Edge Keeps Opening PDF Files
If you’ve changed the default PDF viewer to a different app, but Microsoft Edge keeps opening your PDF files, try the following:
- Check that you’ve selected the correct app as the default PDF viewer.
- Make sure the app is installed and up-to-date.
- Try resetting the default apps to their default settings by clicking on the “Reset” button in the “Default apps” window.
Issue 2: The PDF Viewer Won’t Open PDF Files
If you’ve changed the default PDF viewer, but the app won’t open your PDF files, try the following:
- Check that the app is compatible with your version of Windows 10.
- Make sure the app is installed correctly and that all dependencies are installed.
- Try reinstalling the app or seeking support from the app’s developer.
Top PDF Viewers for Windows 10
Now that you know how to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, here are some top PDF viewers you might want to consider:
| PDF Viewer | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat | Annotation and markup tools, advanced editing capabilities, support for fillable forms | Subscription-based (starts at $14.99/month) |
| Foxit Reader | Annotation and markup tools, advanced editing capabilities, support for fillable forms | Free (basic version), $3.99/month (premium version) |
| PDF-XChange Viewer | Annotation and markup tools, advanced editing capabilities, support for fillable forms | Free (basic version), $43.50 (premium version) |
In conclusion, changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is a simple process that can be done in just a few clicks. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your PDF viewing experience and choose the PDF viewer that best meets your needs. Whether you prefer the feature-rich Adobe Acrobat or the lightweight Foxit Reader, changing the default PDF viewer can make a big difference in your productivity and workflow.
Why do I need to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10?
Changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 can enhance your overall PDF viewing experience. The default PDF viewer, Microsoft Edge, may not offer the features and functionality you need, such as annotation tools, document editing capabilities, or customizable layouts. By changing the default PDF viewer, you can choose an alternative application that better suits your needs and provides a more seamless experience.
For instance, if you’re a student or professional who frequently works with PDF documents, you may want to switch to a PDF viewer that allows you to highlight, annotate, and organize your documents more efficiently. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more lightweight and fast PDF viewer, you can choose an alternative that loads documents quickly and doesn’t consume too many system resources.
What are some popular alternative PDF viewers for Windows 10?
There are several popular alternative PDF viewers available for Windows 10, each with their unique features and strengths. Some popular options include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, and PDF-XChange Editor. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a widely used and feature-rich PDF viewer that offers advanced annotation tools, document editing capabilities, and cloud storage integration. Foxit Reader is a lightweight and fast PDF viewer that provides an intuitive interface, annotation tools, and support for multimedia content.
PDF-XChange Editor is another popular option that offers a range of features, including advanced annotation tools, document editing capabilities, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) functionality. Additionally, there are many other alternative PDF viewers available, such as SumatraPDF, PDFelement, and Nitro Pro, each offering a unique set of features and benefits.
How do I change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10?
To change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, you’ll need to access the Settings app and navigate to the Default apps section. From there, click on the “Choose default apps by file type” option and scroll down to the “.pdf” file type. Click on the current default app (Microsoft Edge) and select your preferred PDF viewer from the list of available apps. Alternatively, you can also right-click on a PDF file, select “Open with,” and then “Choose another app” to set a new default PDF viewer.
If you’re using an older version of Windows 10, you may need to access the Control Panel instead of the Settings app. In this case, navigate to the Control Panel, click on “Programs,” and then “Default Programs.” From there, select “Associate a file type or protocol with a program” and follow the prompts to set a new default PDF viewer.
Will changing the default PDF viewer affect my system’s performance?
Changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 should not significantly impact your system’s performance. Most PDF viewers are designed to be lightweight and efficient, and they shouldn’t consume too many system resources. However, if you’re switching to a more feature-rich PDF viewer with advanced capabilities, it may require more system resources and potentially affect your system’s performance.
That being said, the impact on performance will depend on the specific PDF viewer you choose and the specifications of your system. If you’re running an older system or one with limited resources, you may want to opt for a lightweight PDF viewer to minimize any potential performance issues.
Can I set different default PDF viewers for different types of PDF files?
Unfortunately, Windows 10 does not natively support setting different default PDF viewers for different types of PDF files. However, you can use alternative methods to achieve this. For instance, you can create batch files or scripts that launch different PDF viewers based on the type of PDF file. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools or utilities that allow you to set custom file associations and defaults.
Another option is to use a PDF viewer that supports customizable profiles or configurations. This way, you can create different profiles for different types of PDF files and switch between them as needed.
Will I lose any features or functionality by changing the default PDF viewer?
When you change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10, you may lose some features or functionality that are specific to the Microsoft Edge PDF viewer. For example, Microsoft Edge offers some unique features, such as the ability to annotate PDF files directly in the browser. If you switch to a different PDF viewer, you may not have access to these features.
However, most alternative PDF viewers offer a range of features and functionality that can enhance your PDF viewing experience. You may gain access to new features, such as advanced annotation tools, document editing capabilities, or customizable layouts. Ultimately, the features and functionality you’ll have access to will depend on the specific PDF viewer you choose.
Can I revert back to the default PDF viewer if needed?
Yes, you can easily revert back to the default PDF viewer if needed. To do so, follow the same steps you used to change the default PDF viewer, and select Microsoft Edge as the default app for PDF files. Alternatively, you can also reset the default apps to their original settings by going to the Settings app, clicking on “System,” and then clicking on “Default apps.” From there, click on the “Reset” button to restore the default app settings.
If you’ve uninstalled Microsoft Edge or removed it as the default PDF viewer, you may need to reinstall it or set it as the default app again. In this case, you can go to the Microsoft Store, download and install Microsoft Edge, and then set it as the default PDF viewer.