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Change Which App Opens PDFs in Windows 11

Open Settings → Apps → Default apps, search for .pdf and choose the app you want. This changes how saved PDFs open; it does not change the files themselves.

By Osenpa · Updated
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Before you start

  • Install the PDF app you want to use first.

Follow these steps

  1. Open Default apps

    Open Start → Settings. Choose Apps, then Default apps.

  2. Find the PDF file type

    In the box for a file type or link type, enter .pdf. Select the result showing the current app for PDF files.

    Windows 11 Default apps with .pdf entered and Microsoft Edge shown as the current PDF app.
    Search for .pdf in the file-type box, then open the current app’s entry. Enlarge image.
    1. Enter .pdf in the file-type search.
    2. Select the current PDF app to choose another.

  3. Choose your PDF app

    Select the installed app you want and confirm with Set default. If it is missing, make sure its installation has finished, then reopen this page.

    Windows 11 asks which installed app should open .pdf files, with the Default apps page visible behind the choice.
    Choose the app you want and select Set default. The available choices depend on what is installed on your PC. Enlarge image.
    1. Choose the installed app you want, then select Set default.

  4. Try a saved PDF

    Open File Explorer and double-click a PDF. It should open in the app you chose.

Check your result

  • The saved PDF opens in your chosen app. Its filename, pages and contents are unchanged.
If you need more help

Open one file in a different app

Right-click a saved PDF, choose Open with and select another installed app. Use this when you only want to open that file differently.

The PDF icon changed. Did my file change?

An app icon can change when its default changes. That does not turn a PDF into a Word document or web page. Show file name extensions to check that the filename still ends in .pdf.

Next steps