Fix PDF Files Opening in Reader DC Instead of Acrobat 9 on Windows
Question details
The user wants to set Adobe Acrobat 9 as the default PDF application, but files keep opening in Acrobat Reader DC instead.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows 10, Windows 8.1
- Scenario
- Trying to open a PDF file with Acrobat Standard 9 while Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is also installed on the same system.
- Observed behavior
- Despite manually setting Acrobat 9 as the default PDF handler, Windows continues to open PDF files using the newer Adobe Acrobat Reader DC due to a version conflict.
Before making changes to your software installations, ensure you have your product keys or Adobe account credentials handy in case you need to reinstall Acrobat 9.
Uninstall Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to Resolve Version Conflicts
Since Adobe does not support running mixed versions of Acrobat and Reader on the same machine, removing the newer Reader DC allows Acrobat 9 to function as the sole default.
Windows often forces newer software versions (like Reader DC) to take precedence over older software (like Acrobat 9) when handling file associations, even when manually configured otherwise.
Click the Start menu, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and hit Enter.
Under the Programs section, click on 'Uninstall a program' or 'Programs and Features'.
Locate 'Adobe Acrobat Reader DC' in the list of installed software, right-click it, and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it completely.
Restart your computer, right-click a PDF file, select 'Open with', choose 'Acrobat 9', and check the box to always use this app.
Set WPS Office as Your Default PDF Reader and Editor
Avoid confusing version conflicts and software bloat by using WPS Office. It includes a powerful, built-in PDF reader and editor that handles all your documents smoothly without requiring multiple software installations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Right-click a PDF file: Locate any PDF file on your Windows computer and right-click on it.
- 3. Access 'Open with' settings: Select 'Open with' from the context menu and click on 'Choose another app'.
- 4. Set WPS as default: Select 'WPS Office' from the list of programs, check the box for 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click OK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows ignore my default PDF application setting?
When multiple versions of Adobe software (like Acrobat 9 and Reader DC) are installed, registry conflicts often occur. The newer version's background services and registry keys can override the default app settings in Windows 10 and 8.1.
Can I use both Acrobat 9 and Acrobat Reader DC on the same computer?
Adobe officially does not support running mixed versions of Acrobat and Reader on the same machine. Doing so leads to erratic behavior, such as files opening in the wrong application, browser plugin crashes, and licensing errors.
How do I properly upgrade from Acrobat 9 to Acrobat DC?
To upgrade, first uninstall Acrobat 9 and any existing versions of Adobe Reader from your system using the Windows Control Panel. Then, download the installer for Acrobat DC from your Adobe account and run it to ensure a clean installation.
