Hyperlinks in PDF don't open on default browser

Report · Aug 18, 2025

Hello again,

I currently use Adobe Acrobat Pro. When clicking on a link in a PDF file, it opens in Edge.

However, Firefox is my default browser.

I did read this recent post on the community forum : https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/links-opening-on-wrong-browser/m-p/15392894#M5126...

I double checked the settings in Firefox to make sure it is indeed defined as the default brower.
I checked settings in Edit > Preferences > Internet in Acrobat Pro to make sure nothing was pointing to Edge.
In the Windows settings, Firefox is set to default for HTTP, and HTTPS.

Any idea ?

Report · Aug 18, 2025

Hello again,

I currently use Adobe Acrobat Pro. When clicking on a link in a PDF file, it opens in Edge.

However, Firefox is my default browser.

I double checked the settings in Firefox to make sure it is indeed defined as the default brower.
I checked settings in Edit > Preferences > Internet in Acrobat Pro to make sure nothing was pointing to Edge.
In the Windows settings, Firefox is set to default for HTTP, and HTTPS.

Any idea ?

Report · Aug 18, 2025

Hi Atuvu,

Thank you for reaching out.

Please confirm if this behavior occurs with a particular file from a specific source. It can be a file-specific issue.

It may be predefined in the PDF. Could you please share a sample PDF so we can check?

Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

Report · Aug 27, 2025

I am having this same problem. hyperlinks in pdfs all open in MS Edge, even though Chrome is my default browser. I cannot find a setting to change in Adobe, but this is a new development in the last couple of months.

Report · Aug 28, 2025

I should add that I am using the current release of Acrobat, not Acrobat Pro.

Report · Oct 13, 2025

I’m writing as an IT and creative professional who relies heavily on Adobe Acrobat Desktop for editing link-rich PDFs. Since updating to Windows 11 (Version 24H2, Build 26100.6584), I’ve encountered a persistent issue: hyperlinks embedded in PDFs now open in Microsoft Edge, even though Google Chrome is set as my system default browser.

This behavior disrupts my workflow significantly. I work with PDFs that contain dozens of links, and I need those links to open in Chrome for consistency with my other tools, extensions, and authentication sessions. Acrobat Online respects my browser preference, but the Desktop version does not, and unfortunately, the editing capabilities I rely on are only available in the Desktop app.

I understand that Windows now enforces the microsoft-edge: protocol for certain link types, but I believe Acrobat is invoking this protocol unnecessarily for standard HTTP/HTTPS links. I respectfully request that Adobe consider adding a toggle or setting in Acrobat Desktop to allow users to choose whether hyperlinks open in their system default browser.

This change would restore autonomy and flexibility for professionals like myself who depend on Acrobat for both precision editing and seamless navigation. I appreciate your consideration and hope you’ll explore a solution that honors user choice.

Report · Oct 30, 2025

Same issue. I'm honestly thinking about cancelling my Adobe subscription over this. It's ridiculous this hasn't been resolved yet. I currently have to convert link-heavy pdfs to Microsoft Word in order to access links in my default browser. Not worthwhile anymore.

Report · Sep 10, 2025

Same issue, links opening in Edge and not default browser. Spent last hour trying this and that including reinstalling Adobe Reader. Tried multiple pdf files and all are the same. If I open them in another pdf program the links open using the default browser.
Any solution from Adobe??

Report · Sep 29, 2025

Same issue with me. I encourged this problem 1-2 months ago. PDF hyperlinks open in Edge rather than Chrome, which is my default browsers. Previously, PDF document links would always open in Chrome; for the past 2 months and then for no particular reason, they started opening in Edge. This started happening on both my work PC and my home PC (both which use the same adobe.com account). I tried everything mentioned above re: settling Chrome as the default for everything interetnet related but that has been unsuccessful. Even if I start in Chrome and print a webpage or save a document to a PDF file, the hyperlinks in that PDF document still open in Edge. My quick, yet inconvenient, workaround is to copy the URL from Edge and paste it into Chrome. It would be nice if I didn't need to take that extra step or could just uninstall Edge but it doesn't seem like that is allowed. Adobe team - please provide a solution.