Welcome to our guide on how to change the default PDF viewer on Windows 10. PDF (Portable Document Format) is a popular file format used for sharing documents across different platforms. Windows 10 comes with a default PDF viewer, but users might want to switch to a different one for various reasons. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to change the default PDF viewer on your Windows 10 computer.
Steps to Change Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
Step 1: Locate the PDF file on your computer
The first step to changing your default PDF viewer on Windows 10 is to locate a PDF file on your computer. Typically, PDF files can be found in the “Downloads” folder or on your desktop.
Step 2: Right-click on the PDF file
Once you have located a PDF file, right-click on it, and select “Open with” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Click on “Choose default program”
Next, click on “Choose default program” to open a list of available programs to choose from.
Step 4: Select the PDF viewer of your choice
From the list of programs, select the PDF viewer you want to use as the default. If the viewer you want is not in the list, click on the “More options” link to see additional programs.
Step 5: Enable the “Always use this app to open .pdf files” option
Check the box next to “Always use this app to open .pdf files” to ensure that your chosen viewer will always be used to open PDF files in the future.
Step 6: Click “OK”
Once you have selected your PDF viewer of choice and enabled the “Always use this app to open .pdf files” option, click on “OK” to save your changes.
Step 7: Open the PDF file
Once you have chosen your default PDF viewer, double-click on any PDF file to ensure that it opens in the new viewer.
Step 8: Change default program settings
If you want to change the default program settings for your PDF viewer, go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Default apps” and scroll down until you see “PDF viewer.” Click on the currently selected viewer to choose a new default app for opening PDF files.
Step 9: Use the “Open with” context menu
You can also use the “Open with” context menu to quickly open a PDF file in a different viewer without changing the default settings.
Step 10: Install a new PDF viewer
If you don’t have your preferred PDF viewer installed on your computer, you can download and install one from the internet. Be sure to choose a trusted source and always scan new programs for viruses or malware before installing them.
Step 11: Uninstall a PDF viewer
If you want to remove a PDF viewer from your computer, go to “Settings” > “Apps” and scroll down until you see the viewer you want to uninstall. Click on it and select “Uninstall.”
Step 12: Troubleshoot issues
If you’re having issues with your default PDF viewer or any other program on your computer, try restarting it or troubleshooting the issue with online resources or contact support.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Choose a reputable PDF viewer
There are many PDF viewers available, but be sure to choose a reputable one to avoid malware or other security risks.
Tip 2: Keep your PDF viewer updated
Regularly updating your PDF viewer can ensure that you have the latest security features and bug fixes.
Tip 3: Use keyboard shortcuts
Learning keyboard shortcuts can help you navigate your PDF viewer faster and more efficiently.
Tip 4: Customize settings
Most PDF viewers allow users to customize settings, such as font size, color schemes, and bookmarking, to improve the reading experience.
Tip 5: Use the search function
The search function within PDF viewers can help you quickly find specific words or phrases within a document.
Tip 6: Utilize annotations
Many PDF viewers allow users to add annotations, such as notes or highlights, to documents for easier reference.
Tip 7: Print or save as needed
If you need a hard copy of the document or want to save the file for later, use the “Print” or “Save” option within your PDF viewer.
Tip 8: Back up your files
Regularly backing up your important documents and files can protect against data loss or corruption.
Tip 9: Explore additional features
Many PDF viewers have additional features, such as digital signature capabilities or integrated OCR (optical character recognition), that can enhance your experience with the program.
Tip 10: Stay organized
Organizing your PDF files into folders or bookmarks can help you quickly find what you need and avoid clutter on your computer.
In conclusion, changing your default PDF viewer on Windows 10 is a simple process that can improve your overall PDF viewing experience. Be sure to follow the steps correctly and choose a reputable PDF viewer with additional features and keep it updated for the best possible experience.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing your Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
If you work with PDF files on a regular basis, you may have a preference for a specific PDF viewer. While Windows 10 comes with a default PDF viewer known as Microsoft Edge, you can easily change it to any other application or software of your choice. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of changing your default PDF viewer in Windows 10.
Advantages of Changing your Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
| Advantages | Explanation |
|---|---|
| More Features | A different PDF viewer may offer more features and functionalities than the default Windows 10 PDF viewer. This can improve your productivity and make it easier to work with PDF files. |
| Better User Experience | If you find the default Windows 10 PDF viewer difficult to use, changing to a different viewer can provide a better user experience for you. |
| Improved Performance | Some PDF viewers may offer better performance and faster loading times compared to the default Windows 10 PDF viewer. This can save you time and frustration. |
| Compatibility with Other Software | If you are using other applications or software that require a specific PDF viewer, changing your default PDF viewer can help to ensure compatibility and seamless integration between applications. |
| Increased Security | Some third-party PDF viewers may offer better security features and protection against viruses and malware compared to the default Windows 10 PDF viewer. |
Disadvantages of Changing your Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
| Disadvantages | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Incompatibility Issues | Changing your default PDF viewer in Windows 10 may create compatibility issues with other applications or software that you are using. This can cause inconvenience and additional troubleshooting. |
| Learning Curve | Switching to a new PDF viewer may require you to learn new features and functionalities, which can take time and effort. |
| Additional Cost | Some third-party PDF viewers may require purchasing a license or subscription, which can add additional cost to your budget. |
| More Resource Consumption | Some third-party PDF viewers may consume more system resources compared to the default Windows 10 PDF viewer, which can slow down your computer’s performance. |
| Inconvenience | Changing your default PDF viewer may cause inconvenience, especially if you are used to the default Windows 10 PDF viewer. |
Before switching from the default Windows 10 PDF viewer to a different application or software, consider weighing the advantages and disadvantages carefully to make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and preferences.
FAQ
1. What is a default PDF Viewer?
A default PDF Viewer is a software that is set as the primary program to open PDF files in your device when you click on them.
2. How can I change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10?
You can change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 by following a few simple steps. Firstly, go to the “Settings” app and choose “Apps”. From there, click on “Default apps” and scroll down to find “Choose default apps by file type”. Find “.pdf” on the list and click the program that you want to set as the default PDF viewer.
3. Can I use a third-party PDF viewer as my default viewer in Windows 10?
Yes, you can use a third-party PDF viewer as your default viewer in Windows 10 as long as it is compatible with the operating system. You should be able to select the third-party program in the “Choose default apps by file type” menu.
4. What if I don’t see the program I want to use as the default PDF viewer?
If you don’t see the program you want to use as the default PDF viewer, you may need to install it first. Once it is installed, it should appear in the “Choose default apps by file type” menu.
5. Can I change the default PDF viewer for other user accounts on my device?
Yes, you can change the default PDF viewer for other user accounts on your device by logging into each account and following the same steps to change the default app.
6. Is there a way to set a different default PDF viewer for individual PDF files?
Yes, you can set a different default PDF viewer for individual PDF files by right-clicking on the file and selecting “Open with” and then “Choose another app”. From there, you can select the program that you want to use to open that specific file.
7. Can I change the default PDF viewer back to the previous setting?
Yes, you can change the default PDF viewer back to the previous setting by following the same steps to change the default app and selecting the previous program from the list.
8. What if I accidentally set the wrong program as the default PDF viewer?
If you accidentally set the wrong program as the default PDF viewer, you can simply follow the instructions to change the default app again and select the correct program from the list.
9. Can I have multiple default PDF viewers at once?
No, you can only have one default PDF viewer at a time on Windows 10. However, you can still have multiple PDF viewers installed on your device and choose which one to use to open individual files.
10. Can I change the default PDF viewer for other file types?
Yes, you can change the default viewer for other file types by following the same steps as changing the default PDF viewer and choosing the desired program for that particular file extension.
11. Will changing the default PDF viewer affect how other programs open PDF files?
Changing the default PDF viewer should not affect how other programs open PDF files unless those programs specifically rely on the default viewer as a part of their functionality.
12. Are there any risks involved with changing the default PDF viewer?
Changing the default PDF viewer should not pose any risks to your device. However, you should always make sure that the program you are selecting is a reliable and safe program to use.
13. What if I am still having trouble changing the default PDF viewer?
If you are still having trouble changing the default PDF viewer on your Windows 10 device, you may want to consult the program’s support documentation or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
How to Change Default PDF Viewer in Windows 10
If you are using Windows 10, most likely the built-in PDF viewer is Microsoft Edge. However, if you prefer to use other PDF viewers such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader, you may want to change the default PDF viewer in Windows 10. In this article, we will guide you on how to change the default PDF viewer according to your preference.
Conclusion and Closing
Changing the default PDF viewer in Windows 10 is an easy process. You can choose your preferred PDF viewer that suits your needs and change it as the default option. By following the simple steps mentioned in this article, you can easily make the necessary adjustments to view PDF files effortlessly.
We hope this article has been helpful to you in customizing your Windows 10 settings. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in your PDF viewing experience.
Until next time, happy computing!