Force Acrobat Reader DC as the default PDF viewer on Windows 10

Windows 10 Enterprise
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 18.011.20040

Is there any way whatsoever to install this version of Acrobat Reader DC so that the default PDF viewer is set to Acrobat Reader DC before/during/after the install process without the need for a logoff/logon or restart cycle?

We need to be able to deliver the software Enterprise-wide, but do so in the background without interfering with the end user. We can deliver the software as-is, but then each and every user would need to manually change the default PDF viewer from Microsoft Edge to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. This is simply not an option for us. Now, I can utilize a third-party tool like AutoIT and script the button presses and such so appropriate choices are made via the Set Default Programs Control Panel applet, but when executed remotely, the script will never function properly because it needs to interact with the desktop...which again is not an option for us.

I have read through all the articles referring to the utilization of DISM and the file association XMLs, but none of these function without the user performing a logoff/logon or restart cycle. The goal is to achieve a programmatic solution that can be run in a silent and unattended fashion.

Has anyone succeeded in this effort as of yet?

Please advise.

Thanks in advance.