PDF Opening Issues

How to Stop Nitro File Converter from Changing Adobe File Associations

John WilsonJohn Wilson Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to restore their preferred Adobe application as the default program for PDF files after Nitro File Converter alters the system's file associations.

How to Stop Nitro File Converter from Changing Adobe File Associations
Product
PDF Viewer
Device & OS
Windows and macOS
Scenario
Restoring the original default PDF opener after installing or managing Nitro File Converter.
Observed behavior
PDF documents and other Adobe-associated files are opening in Nitro File Converter or another incorrect application instead of the intended Adobe software.
Before you start

Ensure that your preferred PDF viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat or WPS Office, is fully installed and updated on your system before attempting to reassign default file associations.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore Default Application Settings in Windows

Use this method to manually reassign the .pdf file extension to Adobe Acrobat or your preferred PDF reader on Windows operating systems.

Windows allows you to control which applications open specific file types. By navigating to the Default Apps settings, you can override Nitro's associations and force the system to use your desired software for all PDF documents.

1
Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows Settings menu, then click on 'Apps'.

2
Navigate to Default Apps

Select 'Default apps' from the left-hand navigation pane. Scroll down and click on the 'Choose default apps by file type' link.

3
Reassign the PDF Extension

Scroll down the list until you locate the '.pdf' extension. Click on the current default application (Nitro File Converter) and select 'Adobe Acrobat' or your preferred viewer from the pop-up list.

Restore Default Application Settings in Windows
Quick Shortcut: You can also right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', click 'Choose another app', pick Adobe, and check the 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' box.

Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free PDF Management

Stop worrying about third-party converters hijacking your file associations. WPS Office includes a powerful, built-in PDF reader and editor that securely handles your documents, allowing you to view, edit, and convert PDFs seamlessly.

  1. 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the official website to access the built-in PDF tools.
  2. 2. Right-Click a PDF File: Locate any PDF document on your computer, right-click it, and hover over 'Open with'.
  3. 3. Select WPS Office: Choose 'WPS Office' from the list of available programs.
  4. 4. Set as Default: Check the box labeled 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' (on Windows) to securely lock in WPS Office as your default PDF viewer.
Native compatibility with all standard PDF and Adobe Acrobat formatsEasily view, edit, annotate, and merge PDF files in one applicationLightweight software that respects your system's file association preferencesIncludes complete alternatives for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nitro File Converter change my PDF associations?

During installation or updates, Nitro File Converter often prompts to set itself as the default application for handling PDF viewing and editing. If accepted, this automatically reroutes standard Adobe files to open with Nitro instead.

Will uninstalling Nitro restore my original PDF settings?

Not always. While uninstalling Nitro removes the software, your Windows or macOS operating system may not automatically revert to your original Adobe settings. You will usually need to manually reassign the default application using your system settings.

How do I change the default PDF viewer in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Search for '.pdf' in the provided search bar, click on the application currently listed, and select your preferred PDF reader from the menu.

Does WPS Office support Adobe PDF files?

Yes, WPS Office has an integrated PDF reader and editor that fully supports standard PDF formats, including those created by Adobe Acrobat. It allows you to read, annotate, edit, and convert PDFs smoothly.