How to Fix Acrobat Closing When Emailing PDFs Through Outlook
Question details
The user needs to fix an issue where the PDF software automatically crashes or closes when trying to send a document via a default email client.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro, Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a PDF document via email directly from Adobe Acrobat using Outlook 2016.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat closes unexpectedly after the user clicks 'Continue' in the default email application dialog.
Ensure you have saved all open PDF documents and completely close any background instances of Acrobat, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Outlook using the Windows Task Manager.
Configure Outlook as the Default Email Application in Acrobat
Manually setting Microsoft Outlook as the default mail application within the PDF software's internal preferences resolves the routing conflict that causes it to crash.
Often, the system default email application is not properly recognized by the PDF software. Forcing the software to specifically use Outlook for email actions usually stabilizes the sharing process.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro. Go to the top menu and select 'Edit', then click on 'Preferences'.
In the left-hand pane of the Preferences window, find and click on the 'Email Accounts' category.
In the list of email accounts, click on 'Default email application (Microsoft Outlook)' to highlight it.
Click the 'Make Default' button. Ensure a green check mark appears next to the Outlook listing to confirm the change, then click 'OK'.

Disable the PDF Reader Extension in Internet Explorer
Sometimes legacy browser add-ons interfere with the application routing processes on Windows. Disabling this extension can prevent software conflicts.
Update Software and Reset Preferences
Outdated software versions or corrupted preferences can cause unexpected crashes during email routing operations.
Experience Crash-Free PDF Management with WPS Office
Tired of troubleshooting software crashes and integration bugs? WPS Office offers a seamless, all-in-one suite that includes a powerful PDF editor perfectly integrated with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives. Enjoy lightweight performance without the frustrating application conflicts.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office.
- 2. Set as Default PDF Reader: Open WPS Office settings and configure it as your primary application for viewing and editing PDFs.
- 3. Share via Email Seamlessly: Open any PDF document in WPS Office and use the built-in share feature to send files through your email client without third-party crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF software close when I try to email a document?
This typically happens due to a routing conflict between the default email client settings within the PDF software, interfering legacy browser extensions, or an outdated version of Microsoft Outlook.
How do I ensure Outlook is set as my default email app in Windows 10?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps. Look under the 'Email' section and ensure Microsoft Outlook is selected. If a different app is listed, click it and choose Outlook from the list.
Will repairing Microsoft Office fix the email crash issue?
While repairing Office can fix missing system registry keys, it usually does not resolve this specific issue if the problem is rooted in the PDF application's internal preferences or conflicting Internet Explorer add-ons.




