How to Make Adobe Acrobat Reader the Default PDF Viewer on PC or Mac

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to set Adobe Acrobat Reader as your default PDF app in Windows and macOS.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Using the File Explorer (Windows)

1
Open the Windows File Explorer. An easy way to do this is to press ⊞ Win+E.
2
Open the folder that contains a PDF file.
3
Right-click the PDF. A context menu will appear.
4
Click Open with. Another menu will expand.
5
Click Choose another app. Even if you have Acrobat Reader showing as one of the option, you should still select this option.
6
Select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
7
Check the box next to “Always use this app to open .pdf files.”
8
Click OK. Adobe Acrobat Reader is now your PDF default viewer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Using the Default App Settings (Windows)

1
Click the search button. It’s either a magnifying glass or a circle to the right of the Start menu.
2
Type default app into the search bar. A list of matches will appear.
3
Click Default app settings.
4
Scroll down and click Choose default app by file type.
5
Scroll down to find the “.pdf” format. The current default app appears to the right.
6
Click the current default app. A list of apps will appear.
7
Click Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Adobe Acrobat Reader is now the default PDF viewer.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Using macOS

1
Open Finder
. You’ll find this icon in the Dock, which is usually at the bottom of the screen.
2
Browse to a folder that contains a PDF.
3
Press Ctrl as you click the file. A menu will appear.
4
Click File.
5
Click Get info.
6
Select Adobe Reader from the “Open With” drop-down.
7
Click Change all. A confirmation message will appear.
8
Click Continue. Adobe Reader is now your default PDF viewer.