How to Stop Adobe Acrobat Updates from Changing the Default Printer
Question details
Users report that their system's default printer settings are altered after an Adobe Acrobat update, specifically removing Adobe PDF as the default printer.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows 10, Windows 11
- Scenario
- Installing automatic or manual software updates for Adobe Acrobat.
- Observed behavior
- The default printer changes from Adobe PDF to another available printer on the system because the update process temporarily uninstalls and reinstalls the Adobe PDF printer driver.
Before adjusting your printer preferences, ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated and check if the 'Let Windows manage my default printer' setting is turned off to prevent automated switching.
Manually Reset Adobe PDF as the Default Printer
The most effective way to resolve this issue is to manually set Adobe PDF back as your default printer in the Windows Settings after an Acrobat update completes.
During an update, Acrobat often removes and reinstalls its virtual PDF printer. When the printer temporarily disappears, Windows automatically assigns a new default printer from your available devices. Reassigning it manually fixes the configuration.
Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Windows Settings.
Go to 'Bluetooth & devices' (or 'Devices' in Windows 10) and click on 'Printers & scanners'.
Scroll down and ensure the toggle for 'Let Windows manage my default printer' is turned off.
Locate 'Adobe PDF' in your list of printers, click on it, and select the 'Set as default' button.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my default printer keep changing on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Windows has a feature called 'Let Windows manage my default printer' which automatically sets your default printer to the one you used most recently. If this setting is toggled on, your default printer will constantly change based on your active printing behavior.
How do I stop Windows from managing my default printer?
Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners (or Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners in Windows 11). Find the 'Let Windows manage my default printer' option and turn the toggle switch off.
Should I turn off automatic Adobe Acrobat updates to prevent this issue?
No, it is highly recommended to keep Adobe Acrobat updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. Manually resetting the default printer after an update is a safer and better practice.
What causes the Adobe PDF printer to disappear during an update?
During an Acrobat update, the software often uninstalls and reinstalls the Adobe PDF printer driver to apply new configurations or bug fixes. This process temporarily removes the printer, prompting Windows to assign a new default printer in its absence.
