How to Set Adobe Acrobat as the Default App for PDFs in Windows 10 and 11

By default, Windows 10 and 11 use Microsoft Edge to open and view PDFs. This can be limiting, especially if you need to sign forms or use other advanced features. Follow these steps to change the default app to Adobe Acrobat Reader or Acrobat:
  1. Open Default Apps Settings:
    • Click on the Start menu and start typing Default apps.
    • Click on Default apps when it appears in the list.
  2. Choose Default Apps by File Type:
    • Scroll down on the right side of the window and click on the text link for Choose default apps by file type.
  3. Change the Default PDF App:
    • On the right side, use the hidden scroll bar to scroll down until you see .pdf in the far left column.
    • To the right of .pdf, click on the current default app (likely Edge).
    • From the drop-down list, select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Acrobat DC.
  4. Close the Settings Window:
    • You can now close the Settings window.
Your PDF files will now open in Adobe Acrobat Reader or Acrobat, providing you with more functionality and ease of use.