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Stop using acrobat reader as default

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I must have set acrobat reader as default to open PDF - I do not want that to happen, I want PDF files to open as just that, PDF files. How do I restore my settings? I am on a mac.

Amal.Correct answer

Legend

I have reset my default pdf reader to something else 5 times already (yes, clicked the "always" box as well) and Adobe seems to override it. I cannot find settings in Adobe to stop it asserting itself as the default pdf reader. I suppose nothing for it but to deinstall this aggressive program.

Hi there

Hope you are doing well, and thanks for reaching out.

What is the version of the Acrobat DC you are using? To check the version go to Help > About Acrobat and make sure you have the recent version 24.01.20615 installed. Go to Help > Check for updates and reboot the computer once.

Also try to repair the installation from the help menu (Win Only) and see if that works.

Also based on the OS, please check the links listed below:

Mac: https://adobe.ly/43Jzq3O

Win: https://adobe.ly/3xiBYK8

Let us know how it goes.

~Amal

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perekeme_4318

Participant

i want to stop using adobe as my default app

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AnandSri

Legend

Hello @perekeme_4318

I hope you are doing well, and thanks for reaching out.

Adobe Acrobat Reader does not force itself to remain the default PDF viewer. The operating system controls PDF file ownership, and you can change it at any time using the steps below.

Windows 10 & Windows 11:
Windows manages default apps by file type. To stop PDFs from opening in Acrobat Reader:

Open Settings > Apps > Default apps
Scroll down and select Choose defaults by file type
Find .pdf
Click the current app (Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Select your preferred app (for example, Microsoft Edge or another PDF viewer)

macOS:
On macOS, default PDF ownership is set via Finder:

Right‑click any PDF file
Select Get Info
Expand Open with
Choose your preferred app
Click Change All, then confirm

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Anand Sri.

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L

LBly

Participant

I want to delete Adobe. When I convert my files ms word is it OK then to remove the Adobe application?

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harvey_2200

Participant

I have installed the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader - Free however; when I attempt to open a PDF file, I am taken to Adobe Acrobat and asked to undertake a 7 day trial for Acrobat Pro but I don't need the Pro version just the Free PDF Reader version. What am I doing wrong

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Jo J

Participant

So far, it is appearing that when I say "always open with", it only applies to that particular pdf and has to be done with each one. I want pdfs to never open with Acrobat unless I choose to. It's super annoying.

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Erinn A

Participant

I'm going bananas! I losing my mind trying to change the settings. I hate that this intrusive app overrides every “natural” Mac option, inserting itself as my default reader!

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sandee_9458

Participant

I'm on a new Macbook pro, and ever since I got it Adobe has continually defaulted to open my PDFs—despite the fact that I have another PDF editor App that i've been using for years that is most certainly set as my Default. Why is Adobe overriding my default settings? The only thing I can do is manually open each file and save to "always open with" the app of choice - but this is obviously a ridiculous waste of time and energy.

Architecture: arm64

Processor: Apple M3 Pro

Build: 24.5.20320.0

AGM: 7.1.9

CoolType: 9.1.0

JP2K: 4.0.2.54782

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Erinn A

Participant

100% accurate! I have the exact same MacBook Pro and I too am going bonkers searching high and low to rid it as my default PDF viewer! Are we really expected to uninstall it?? This is crazy

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miaconcia

Participant

QUICKEST WAY:

Right-click on a PDF and click on "Get info".

- In the window that appears, click on "Open With" drop down.

- Select the application you want to be the defautl from the list of apps.

- ***KEY*** Click on "Change All'.

- Then click on "Continue" on the pop-up window.

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J

Jennymorton01@gmail.com

Participant

This fix did not work for me. I keep getting an error that the file I am trying to change to open with Preview was created by someont unknown. I mistakenly set the default to Adobe this morning because a document was not opening and it said to change to Adobe format. Unfortunately, now I can't save files that I need for work that way I need to. Adobe has changed everything. I need to change it back ASAP. Thanks

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demfraga

Participant

You might need to uninstall adobe acrobat reader which is what I had to do.

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BarbK1

Participant

In Windows 10 Pro, this setting is available but does not work. It is incredibly frustrating. The only way to keep Acrobat DC reader from taking over my Acrobat Standard is to uninstall the program.

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Dov Isaacs

Legend

Why in the world would have both Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Reader installed on a single system? Acrobat is a superset of Reader. There is no added value to Reader for you. Despite what anyone from Adobe might tell you, having both Acrobat and Reader or multiple different versions of Acrobat installed simultaneously on the same system is very problematic, at best!

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- Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)

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Havard2020

Participant

Hi. I would also like to use Acrobate reader, rather than acrobate Pro. Acrobat Pro has more feastures and option, and hence is less easy to use and less userfriendly. Because of this I want to use Acrobat Reader as default to open PDF file. I understand that one option might be do delete the Acrobat Pro app in order to be able to use Acrobat Reader. If this is the only option then I will do this. If however it is possible to use Acrobat reader as default to open PDF files while at the same time have access to Acrobat Pro, then I could continue to have Acrobat Pro installed my My Mac (and hence also continue to pay for the Acrobat Pro. If I have to delete Acrobat Pro in order to use Acrobat readere, then I dont have much reason to continue to pay for Acrobat Pro).

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Test Screen Name

Legend

Ok, thanks. You can use the instructions in the other post, but in the bit

- In the window that appears, click on "Open With" drop down.

- Select the application fro the list.

You choose Preview.

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N

Noon25

Participating Frequently

"open with" is not an option on my screen... when i want to view and print a document from an email... adobe takes over... I tried to do everything to just "open with" or view with Preview... i want to choose for myself when i want or need to use Adobe ... suggestions other than uninstall?

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Meenakshi_Negi

Legend

Hi Vivecao,

As you need to change the default application for viewing PDFs, please refer the steps mentioned below.

- Right-click on a PDF and select "Open with'.

- Click on "Other" from the drop-down list.

- Then select the applications from the list.

- Make sure that you check the box for "Always open with" at the bottom of that window.

- Click on "Open" tab at the bottom.

Or

- Right-click on a PDF and click on "Get info".

- In the window that appears, click on "Open With" drop down.

- Select the application fro the list.

- Click on "Change All'.

- Then click on "Continue" on the pop-up window.

Hope this will help.

Let us know if you still experience the issue.

Regards,

Meenakshi

[Edited Response]

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Bec - Amanita VA

Participating Frequently

Hi Meenakshi

I am trying to save some PDF files in Word to send to a client who only uses Word but my Adobe Acrobat is taking over the files and corrupting them for my client.

I have tried your "Open with" solution and it worked for one file however not the rest. I can't workout why that was.

Is there a way to un-select Acrobat from being the default for my PDF's and back to word other than the "Open with" option??

I'd rather not un-install due to time constraints but if I have to I have no choice.

Kind Regards
Bec

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