How to change the default PDF viewer in Windows and Mac

How to change the default PDF viewer in Windows and Mac

Changing your default PDF viewer ensures that all PDF documents open with your preferred application, streamlining your workflow. This process involves associating the .pdf file type with a specific program through your operating system's settings.

Changing Default PDF Viewer in Windows

In Windows, you have primarily two methods to alter the default application for opening PDF files: via File Explorer's context menu or through the Windows Settings app.

Method 1 Right Click a PDF File

This is the quickest way to change the default viewer for a specific file type directly from your file system.

• Locate any PDF file on your computer.
• Right-click the PDF file to open its context menu.
• Select Open with, then click Choose another app.
• A dialog box will appear, listing recommended applications. Select your desired PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, Microsoft Edge).
• Crucially, check the box labeled Always use this app to open .pdf files. This action registers your selection as the system-wide default.
• Click OK to apply the changes. All PDF files will now open with your chosen application.

Method 2 Windows Settings Default Apps

This method provides a more centralized control over all default applications configured on your system.

• Open the Settings app. You can do this by pressing Win + I or by searching for "Settings" in the Start Menu.
• Navigate to Apps, then select Default apps from the sidebar.
• Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type. This option allows you to set associations for specific file extensions.
• A list of file types will populate. Locate .pdf in the list. It will show the currently assigned default application.
• Click on the current default app next to .pdf. A pop-up menu will display all compatible applications installed on your system.
• Select your preferred PDF viewer from this list. The change takes effect immediately, and all .pdf files will open with the new default.

Changing Default PDF Viewer on Mac

On macOS, adjusting the default application for a file type is typically done through the "Get Info" panel for a specific file, which then applies the change across all files of that type.

Method 1 Finder Get Info

This is the standard approach to modify file associations in macOS, ensuring all future PDFs open with your chosen application.

• Locate any PDF file in Finder.
• Right-click (or Control-click) the PDF file.
• From the context menu, select Get Info. Alternatively, you can select the file and press Command + I.
• In the "Get Info" window, expand the Open with section if it's not already open.
• Click the dropdown menu to see a list of applications capable of opening the PDF.
• Select your preferred PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, Preview, Chrome).
• After selecting the app, click the Change All... button.
• A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you want to change all documents with the ".pdf" extension to open with your selected application. Click Continue to confirm.
• Close the "Get Info" window. All PDF files will now open using your newly configured default application.

Summary of Steps

Refer to this table for a quick overview of the methods for changing your default PDF viewer.

By following these steps, you can reliably control which application handles your PDF documents, improving your document management workflow. Once your preferred viewer is set, you can efficiently manage your documents. If you find your PDF files are too large, consider how to compress the PDF file online for easier sharing or storage.

For more advanced PDF manipulations or quick conversions, explore PDFjin's suite of online tools to handle tasks like editing your PDF, merging, or converting documents directly in your browser.