OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove Lumin PDF as the Default App for OneDrive Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing an issue where files stored in OneDrive, specifically Excel documents and PDFs, are displaying the Lumin PDF icon and defaulting to opening with it, despite the user not recalling installing the application.

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing and opening local synced files stored within the OneDrive directory.
Observed behavior: Excel and PDF files in OneDrive are hijacked by Lumin PDF, showing its icon instead of their native application icons. Changing file associations via the web browser interface fails to resolve the issue locally.

Before you start

Ensure you are making these changes directly on your computer's desktop environment through File Explorer, as changing default apps within a web browser will not affect your local file associations.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Reassign Default Apps in File Explorer

Use the Windows right-click context menu to permanently assign the correct default application to your affected file extensions.

Because cloud-based settings in the OneDrive browser interface do not dictate local operating system behaviors, you must configure the default application for each affected file type (like .xlsx and .pdf) directly within your computer's file manager.

Locate the affected file

Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. Find a file that is incorrectly displaying the Lumin PDF icon.

Access the 'Open with' menu

Right-click the affected file (for example, an Excel .xlsx file), hover your mouse over 'Open with', and click on 'Choose another app'.

Select the correct application

In the prompt that appears, scroll through the list and select the native application you wish to use, such as Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets or WPS Office for PDFs.

Apply permanent settings

Before clicking OK, ensure you check the box labeled 'Always use this app to open files'. Click OK to save your changes.

Repeat for other extensions

Perform these exact same steps for any other file extensions (like .pdf or .docx) that have been incorrectly associated with Lumin PDF.

Browser Limitations: If you attempt to change how files open directly from the OneDrive web version, it will only change the behavior inside the web interface, not on your local desktop.

All-in-One Office and PDF Solution

Use WPS Office to Manage and Open All Your Documents

If your file associations have been disrupted, consider setting WPS Office as your primary default app. It efficiently handles Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PDFs natively without requiring extra third-party tools like Lumin PDF.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and run the free WPS Office installer from the official website.
2. Access Settings: Open the WPS Office application, click the global settings icon, and select 'Configuration Tools'.
3. Update File Associations: Navigate to the 'Advanced' menu, find the 'Compatibilities' section, and check the boxes to associate WPS Office with PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

Provides seamless and highly compatible support for Microsoft Office formats (.xlsx, .docx, .pptx).Includes a powerful built-in PDF reader and editor, keeping all your workflow in one software.Lightweight, safe, and entirely free to use for standard daily document tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Lumin PDF suddenly become my default app?

Lumin PDF is commonly integrated as a third-party extension within cloud services like Google Drive or browser-based OneDrive. If permissions were granted during a cloud session or if it was installed as a progressive web app, it can sometimes aggressively overwrite default document handlers on your system.

Can I completely uninstall Lumin PDF from my computer?

Yes. If Lumin PDF is installed locally, navigate to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps, search for Lumin PDF, and select Uninstall. If it only exists as a browser extension, open your browser's extension manager and remove it from there.

Why didn't my OneDrive web browser settings fix this?

Web browsers handle files independently of your computer's operating system. Changing the default viewer inside the OneDrive web interface only applies to the cloud view. Local file icons and associations dictate how files open when double-clicked directly from your desktop File Explorer.

Document & File Issues