'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Stop PDFs from Opening in Word and Restore Default Associations
Question details
User needs to change the default application for PDF files back to a dedicated PDF reader after accidentally setting Microsoft Word to always open them.
- Product
- Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows 10 / Windows 11
- Scenario
- The user selected Microsoft Word to 'Always' open PDF files, changing the default file association at the system level.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files automatically open in Microsoft Word instead of a PDF viewer and undergo a temporary document conversion process.
Ensure you have a dedicated PDF reader installed on your computer, such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat, before changing your default file associations.
Change Default App via File Explorer
The quickest way to restore your PDF file association is directly from a PDF file using the Windows right-click menu.
This method updates your Windows registry to immediately recognize your chosen software as the primary handler for all .pdf documents.
Open File Explorer and navigate to any folder containing a PDF document.
Right-click the PDF file, hover over 'Open with' in the context menu, and select 'Choose another app'.
Choose your preferred PDF reader (like WPS Office) from the list of available applications.
Check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' and click 'OK'. Your PDFs will now open in the correct application by default.
Modify Default Apps in Windows Settings
You can manage all default file types, including PDFs, through the main Windows System Settings.
Easily Manage and Edit PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office includes a robust, built-in PDF reader and editor. You can easily set WPS Office as your default PDF viewer to enjoy fast reading, seamless annotation, and native PDF editing without unwanted conversions.
- 1. Download the software: Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Access File Associations: Open WPS Office, click on the 'Global Settings' icon (gear shape) in the top right corner, and select 'Settings'.
- 3. Set as Default: Navigate to the 'File Associations' tab and check the box to set WPS Office as your default PDF application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did opening my PDF in Word permanently change the file?
No, changing the default application to Word does not alter the original PDF file itself. Word only performs a temporary conversion for editing purposes. The original file remains unchanged unless you explicitly save over it.
Why does Word try to convert the PDF when opening it?
PDF is not a native Microsoft Word format. To display the content and allow you to edit it, Word must interpret the PDF elements and temporarily convert them into editable Word elements.
How do I stop Windows from constantly asking me which app to use for PDFs?
To stop the repeated prompts, right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', choose 'Choose another app', select your desired PDF reader, and ensure you check the box labeled 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' before clicking OK.
