Stop Microsoft Edge from opening PDF files by default

On Windows 10, the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge is the new default web browsing experience, which also functions as the system default PDF reader on every installation.

Although the ability to view and edit PDF documents is a convenient feature, the experience offers limited functionalities. However, if you prefer a more capable software, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Xodo, or SumatraPDF, you can always change the Windows 10 settings to disable Microsoft Edge and set another application as the default PDF reader every time you open this kind of file format on your computer.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the system default settings to stop loading PDF documents with Microsoft Edge.

How to change default PDF reader using Settings

To disable Microsoft Edge as the default PDF reader on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click on Default apps.
4. Click the Choose default app by file type option.

   

   Source: Windows Central
   Quick tip: You can also use the Set default by app option to change the default app to open PDF documents.

5. Click the current default app for the .pdf file format and select the app you want to make the new default.

   

   Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, PDF documents will open the application you specified, instead of Microsoft Edge.

How to change default PDF reader using context menu

Alternatively, you can set another PDF reader as the default with the context menu option using these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Browse to the folder with a PDF document.
3. Right-click the .pdf file.
4. Select the Open with submenu and click the Choose another app option.

   

   Source: Windows Central

5. Select the new default app to open PDF files.

   Quick tip: If the app you want is not in the list, click the More apps option. Or click the Look for another app on this PC to locate the application manually. If this is the case, you will need to select the .exe file for the PDF application.

6. Check the Always use this app to open .pdf files option.

   

   Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, Microsoft Edge will no longer open PDF files by default. Instead, the document will open with the application you specified.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources: