How To Make Adobe the Default PDF Reader

How To Make Adobe the Default PDF Reader

Relevant To: Students, Faculty, Staff

Introduction:

Windows and Mac computers allow the user to define their default application for opening PDF files.

Setting the default to an installed version of Adobe will help to ensure that PDF files open in the appropriate application.

Edit the Default PDF Viewer for Windows

 

  • Go to the search field on the task bar

    Start Menu
     
  • Type "Default Apps" and click on the option to enter your system settings.

    Default Apps
     
  • Scroll down and click on "Choose default apps by File Type"

    Default Apps by File Type
     
  • Scroll down through the list of file extensions, until you get to .PDF. Select Adobe. *If you do not see Adobe in your list of apps, you may need to install the application.

    Selecting Adobe

Edit the Default PDF Viewer for Mac

  • Select any PDF file in your Finder.
  • Press Command + I to open the Get Info window for the file in Finder.
  • In the "Open With..." section, use the drop down to select Adobe then press "Change All".
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