How do I make Acrobat Reader DC or Acrobat DC my default PDF program?

Microsoft Edge is the default program for opening PDF files on Windows.  In four easy steps, you can make Acrobat DC or Acrobat Reader DC your default PDF program.

Steps to make Acrobat Reader DC or Acrobat DC your default PDF program:

  1. Right-click the thumbnail of a PDF file, and then choose Properties.
    left-click options pop-up

  2. In the file's Properties dialog box, click Change.
    shortcut properties options

  3. Do one of the following:

    If you have Acrobat DC or both Acrobat DC and Acrobat Reader DC, choose Adobe Acrobat DC and click OK.
    Open PDF with default program selection

    If you have only Acrobat Reader DC, choose     Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and click OK.
    select Adobe Acrobat for the default program to open PDF

  4. In the Properties dialog box, click OK.
    Properties dialog box - click ok

    Now, the PDF files open in Acrobat Reader DC or Acrobat DC.

NOTE:  If your computer settings are managed by a system administrator, you may not see the Change button. Sign in using an administrator account or contact your administrator to get the button enabled.

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