Windows 11 · Windows

PDF Files Open in Chrome Instead of Adobe Reader Fix

Original source date 22 February 2023

Answer

After converting a file into, or after downloading a PDF file to your system, you used to see an Adobe Reader icon for your PDF files, and now that the Google Chrome icon has replaced this icon, the file will open up in your browser. You can quickly change this by right-clicking the icon and selecting Properties.

Change the Default PDF App

In the General tab, you can see the Opens With: option, which is set to Google Ch…

In the General tab, you can see the Opens With: option, which is set to Google Chrome.

Click on Change, and then you will be presented with a list of apps that can open…

Click on Change, and then you will be presented with a list of apps that can open the PDF file by default. This could be your web browsers, Adobe Reader, or Word for example. Select your preferred application, and you should be done.

How do you want to open .pdf file from now on?

Permanently Change the Default PDF App

Use your Windows settings for a permanent fix for all future PDF files and other file types. Search for Choose a default app for each type of file. Alternatively, navigate to the Apps section, Default Apps, and click Choose defaults by file type.

Search for PDF and you should be presented with the current default application c…

Search for PDF and you should be presented with the current default application chosen to open up PDF files on your system. Click on it and then you can select the correct application.

Apps Settings > Default Apps > Choose defaults by file type

Windows OS Update

If these options are not available to you, ensure your Windows version is up to date. Under Windows Update, click on Check for Updates, and after downloading the latest update, restart your PC.

If it does not work

If the current interface differs, compare it with the recorded video walkthrough.