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How to Uninstall SumatraPDF and Set Adobe Acrobat as Default
Question details
The user needs to completely remove the SumatraPDF application and reconfigure their system to automatically open PDF files using Adobe Acrobat.
- Product
- SumatraPDF and Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Changing the default application for handling PDF documents after removing a previously installed PDF viewer.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files are currently opening in SumatraPDF, and the user wants to revert this so that files open in Adobe Acrobat by default.
Ensure that all open PDF files and background instances of SumatraPDF are completely closed before attempting to uninstall the software.
Uninstall SumatraPDF and Change the Default PDF Application
Remove SumatraPDF via your system's application manager and use the right-click context menu to reassign Adobe Acrobat as the default PDF handler.
By uninstalling the unwanted PDF software first, you ensure that the system does not attempt to fall back on it. Afterward, manually assigning the default program guarantees your PDFs open exactly where you want them.
Navigate to the Programs and Features list in your Control Panel, or open the Apps & Features menu in your system settings.
Locate SumatraPDF in the list of installed applications, select it, and click the Uninstall button. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Once the uninstallation is complete, locate any PDF file on your computer. Right-click the file, hover over 'Open with', and then select 'Choose another app'.
Pick Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader from the application list. Check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files' and click OK to save your preferences.
If Adobe Acrobat does not appear in the application list, your installation might be corrupted. You will need to repair your Adobe installation or download and reinstall it from the official Adobe website.
Try WPS Office as a Lightweight PDF and Office Solution
If you are looking for a fast, reliable, and feature-rich alternative to Adobe Acrobat and SumatraPDF, WPS Office provides an excellent built-in PDF reader and editor alongside its complete office suite. Enjoy premium PDF handling without slowing down your system.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup instructions to install the suite on your device.
- 3. Set as the default PDF reader: Right-click any PDF document, select 'Open with,' choose WPS Office, and check the box to always use this application for viewing PDFs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PDFs open in a web browser after uninstalling SumatraPDF?
When the previous default PDF viewer is uninstalled, your operating system may automatically fall back to using a web browser like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome to open PDFs. You can fix this by right-clicking a PDF, selecting 'Open with,' choosing your preferred PDF application, and checking the 'Always use this app' option.
What should I do if Adobe Acrobat is missing from the 'Open with' menu?
If Adobe Acrobat does not appear in the initial list, click 'More apps' or 'Look for another app on this PC' at the bottom of the menu, then navigate to your Adobe installation folder to select the executable file. If it is still missing, consider repairing or reinstalling Adobe Acrobat.
Can I have multiple PDF readers installed on my computer at the same time?
Yes, you can install multiple PDF readers simultaneously. However, only one application can be set as the system default. You can always open files in non-default readers by using the 'Open with' menu or opening the application first and using the File > Open command.
