Summary
Instructions to use if PDFs are opening in a Web browser instead of Adobe Acrobat. Symptoms include but are not limited to: PDF Icons are now showing a Chrome or other web browser icon, PDFs are opening in a web browser, you are being asked to download or purchase Adobe Acrobat.
Body
Overview:
Steps for fixing PDF (Portable Document Format) documents not opening in Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.
Environment:
Windows 11
Symptoms of this Issue:
- PDF Icons are now showing a Chrome or other web browser icon.
- PDFs are opening in a web browser.
- You are being asked to download or purchase Adobe Acrobat.
Steps to Resolve:
1. Go to the Windows Start search field (bottom of screen) and click in the field.
2. Type the words "default apps" and click the top result (Default Apps system settings).
3. Scroll down past all the application names and select the link for Choose defaults by file type.
4. In the Search for a file type field, type "pdf" then select the app of Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat Pro (whichever you have installed).
5. Close the window. You are all set. The next time you open a PDF, it should open in Adobe.