PDF Opening Issues

How to Open PDF Files After Your Adobe Acrobat Trial Ends

Phi Hung Vo Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open PDF files without encountering a purchase prompt because their paid Adobe Acrobat trial has expired.

How to Open PDFs After an Adobe Acrobat Trial Expires

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: Windows, macOS
Scenario: Attempting to view a standard PDF document after the free trial period for the premium Adobe Acrobat software has finished.
Observed behavior: PDF files default to opening in the expired Acrobat application, which blocks access to the document and displays a prompt to purchase a subscription.

Before you start

Verify that you have a free PDF viewer installed on your computer, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or WPS Office, before attempting to change your default application settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Default PDF Viewer to Adobe Acrobat Reader

Set the free Acrobat Reader as your system's default application to bypass the expired trial prompt permanently.

When you install a trial of Adobe Acrobat Pro, it often sets itself as the default application for all PDF files. To view PDFs for free, you must manually redirect your system to use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader instead.

Update settings on Windows

Right-click any PDF file on your computer. Select 'Open with' from the context menu, then click 'Choose another app'. Select 'Adobe Acrobat Reader' from the list, check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click 'OK'.

Update settings on macOS

Right-click (or Control-click) any PDF file and select 'Get Info'. Scroll down to the 'Open with' section, click the dropdown menu, and select 'Adobe Acrobat Reader'. Finally, click the 'Change All' button to apply this setting to all PDFs.

Configuration Successful: Your PDF icons may refresh. Double-clicking any PDF will now open it directly in the free reader without displaying a purchase prompt.

Solution 2

Uninstall the Expired Adobe Acrobat Trial

Remove the expired software completely to prevent your computer from attempting to use it for PDF files.

Free PDF Reader Alternative

Open and Read PDFs for Free with WPS Office

Avoid expensive subscription prompts. WPS Office includes a powerful, built-in PDF reader that lets you view, annotate, and manage your PDF documents completely free of charge.

1. Download WPS Office: Install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
2. Access the 'Open with' Menu: Right-click the PDF file that you want to read.
3. Select WPS Office: Hover over 'Open with' and choose 'WPS Office' from the list of available applications.
4. Set as Default: To skip this step in the future, check 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' before clicking OK.

100% free PDF viewing and basic annotation toolsHighly compatible with all standard Adobe Acrobat PDF formatsLightweight application that opens large PDFs quicklyIncludes free alternatives to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still read my PDF files if my Adobe Acrobat trial expires?

Yes, you can always read PDF files for free. You simply need to open them using a free PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader, WPS Office, or even your internet browser, rather than the expired paid version.

Why are my PDFs opening in the expired Acrobat instead of the free Reader?

When you install the Acrobat Pro trial, it automatically assigns itself as the default application for viewing all PDF files. You must manually change the default app back to a free reader in your system settings.

How do I temporarily open a PDF in my web browser?

You can easily view a PDF without installing new software by right-clicking the file, selecting 'Open with,' and choosing a web browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.

Will I lose my PDF files when the software trial ends?

No, your PDF files are saved locally on your device or in your cloud storage. An expired trial only restricts your access to the premium editing tools within the software, not the actual document files.

PDF Troubleshooting