How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Becoming the Default PDF Reader
Question details
Users are unable to keep their preferred PDF viewer because Microsoft Edge repeatedly overrides the settings and sets itself as the default application for opening PDF files.
- Product
- Windows Default Apps
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Trying to permanently set a third-party PDF application as the default program for reading PDF files.
- Observed behavior
- Windows automatically resets the .pdf file association back to Microsoft Edge despite the user selecting a different default application.
Ensure your computer is fully updated to the latest Windows version, as certain older OS builds contain bugs that aggressively reset file associations back to Microsoft defaults.
Reassign the Default PDF Viewer in Windows Settings
Manually force the default app change for .pdf file types directly through the Windows Settings menu.
Changing the file association from the Windows Settings panel ensures that the operating system registers your preferred application at the system level, which is more reliable than setting it from within the third-party PDF app.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to launch Windows Settings, then click on 'Apps'.
Click on 'Default apps' located in the left sidebar menu.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the link that says 'Choose default apps by file type'.
Scroll down the list until you find the '.pdf' extension. Click on Microsoft Edge next to it, and choose your preferred PDF reader from the pop-up list.
Set the Default Viewer Using the 'Open with' Menu
Use the right-click context menu to quickly override the default application for PDF files.
Update Windows and Microsoft Edge
Resolve underlying software bugs that cause legacy versions of Microsoft Edge to constantly hijack file associations.
Set WPS Office as Your Default PDF Reader
WPS Office includes a comprehensive, fast, and feature-rich PDF tool that allows you to effortlessly view, edit, annotate, and convert PDF files. Set it as your default PDF reader for a superior reading and editing experience.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official website and complete the installation on your Windows PC.
- 2. Access the PDF Tool: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the home screen to access the dedicated PDF reader and editor.
- 3. Set as Default Application: When prompted, or through Windows 'Default apps' settings, select WPS Office to permanently handle all your .pdf file types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows keep resetting my default PDF app back to Microsoft Edge?
This usually occurs after a major Windows update or when Windows detects an error with the current file association registry keys. To prevent malicious changes, older versions of Windows 10 revert the default app to Microsoft Edge for security reasons.
Can I completely uninstall Microsoft Edge to stop this issue?
Microsoft Edge is a core component deeply integrated into Windows 10 and 11, so it cannot be uninstalled via standard methods. Upgrading to the newest Chromium-based Edge or installing recent Windows updates is the best way to resolve the aggressive default-reset behavior.
What if the 'Always use this app' checkbox is missing in the right-click menu?
If the 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' checkbox is absent in the 'Open with' dialog, you must change the default application through Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps instead.
Does this issue happen with all third-party PDF readers?
Yes. Since the resetting behavior is triggered by Windows system policies and file association management, it affects all third-party PDF software, including Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, and WPS Office.
