Acrobat asks to be default, but it is already default in Windows 11

Hi @rhondalea, 

Thanks for reporting this, and sorry for the troubled experience.

Even though Acrobat is already set as the default PDF viewer in your Windows 11 system settings, you may still see repeated prompts due to a sync mismatch between Windows and Acrobat, especially in managed or profile-restricted environments.

Here’s what we can try:

1. Set Acrobat as the default manually again

    Go to: Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps > Adobe Acrobat

• Ensure .pdf, .fdf, .xfdf, .xdp, and .pdfxml are all set to open with Acrobat.

2. Reconfirm Acrobat’s default status inside the app

    Open Acrobat > Edit > Preferences > General

• Click “Select As Default PDF Handler.”

• This launches a UAC prompt — allow it and reboot.

3. Check for profile or registry restrictions (in case of an IT-managed machine, please consult IT-admins)

• If you’re using a non-persistent profile (e.g., Citrix, VDI), Acrobat’s settings may not be retained after reboot.

• Ensure Acrobat has permission to write to:

  HKCU\Software\Classes\.pdf and

  HKLM\Software\Classes\AcroExch.Document.DC

4. Disable the prompt (optional - for IT-managed machines)

     In some environments, IT may choose to suppress the prompt via the registry or GPO.

If the issue persists, let us know:

• Are you using a personal or IT-managed machine?

• Do you log in via local user or domain profile?

• Your Acrobat and Windows 11 version (e.g., 22H2, 23H2)

Thank you for your patience and support.