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How to Stop PDF Files from Opening in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to restore their default PDF file association because PDF documents are unexpectedly opening in Microsoft Word instead of a dedicated PDF viewer.
- Product
- Microsoft Word / Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Double-clicking a PDF file to view it.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files launch in Microsoft Word by default, making the user incorrectly assume the original PDF files have been permanently converted into Word documents.
Ensure you have a dedicated PDF viewer, such as WPS Office or Adobe Reader, installed on your computer before changing the default file associations.
Change Default App via File Explorer Properties
Modify the default application used to open PDF files directly from the file's properties menu to restore your preferred PDF reader.
This method changes the default opening behavior for all PDF files on your computer without altering or converting the original files themselves. It will also restore the original PDF icons.
Right-click on any PDF file in File Explorer and select 'Properties' from the drop-down context menu.
In the 'General' tab, locate the 'Opens with:' section and click the 'Change...' button next to it.
Choose Adobe Reader, WPS Office, or your preferred PDF viewer from the list of available applications, then click 'OK'.
Click 'Apply' at the bottom right of the Properties window, then select 'OK' to save the new default association.
Set Default Apps via Windows Settings
Use the Windows Settings menu to manually configure the default application for the .pdf file type.
Read and Edit PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office includes a built-in, lightweight PDF reader and editor. You can easily set it as your default application to open, view, annotate, and manage PDF files without relying on heavy third-party software.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open File Properties: Right-click on any PDF file on your computer and select 'Properties'.
- 3. Set as Default: Click 'Change' next to 'Opens with', choose WPS Office from the list, and click 'Apply'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my PDF file icons change to the Word logo?
When Microsoft Word is set as the default application for opening PDFs, Windows automatically updates the file icons to match the associated application. Changing the default app back to a PDF reader will restore the correct PDF icons.
Does opening a PDF in Word permanently convert it?
No, simply opening a PDF or setting Word as the default viewer does not convert the original file. Microsoft Word temporarily uses its PDF Reflow feature to display the content, but the actual file remains a standard PDF.
Can I still edit PDFs if I change the default app away from Word?
Yes. If your default PDF reader supports editing (such as WPS Office PDF Editor), you can edit it directly. Alternatively, you can always right-click a PDF file and choose 'Open with > Microsoft Word' to temporarily open it in Word for editing.
